Attachment 1 - Foster City Draft Climate Action Plan Update — Foster City City Council, April 1, 2024

City of Foster City
2023 Climate Action Plan
November 2023 First DRAFT
March 2024 Second DRAFT

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | iii
Acknowledgments
City Council
Patrick Sullivan, Mayor
Stacy Jimenez, Vice Mayor
Jon Froomin, Councilmember
Sam Hindi, Councilmember
Art Kiesel, Councilmember

Citizen Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC)
Nilofer Motiwala, Chair
Siddarth Gogi, Vice-Chair (Youth Member)
Marah Curry, Committee Member (Non-Proﬁt)
Shilpli Goel, Committee Member
Stuti Goel, Committee Member (Youth Member)
Ron Haupt, Committee Member
Nicole Kho, Committee Member (Large Business)
Maxwell Kwan, Committee Member
Larry Staley, Committee Member
Katiya Wright, Committee Member (Small Business)

City Staff
Stefan Chatwin,
City Manager
Marlene Subhashini, Assistant City Manager
Soﬁa Mangalam, Community Development Director
Vanessa Brannon, Senior Management Analyst

Consultants
Cascadia Consulting Group
Integrated Design 360

Disclaimer
This Climate Action Plan outlines general policies aimed at equitable climate action. It does not give approval, funding, or authorization for speciﬁc projects. Implementation programs will undergo gradual review and approval, adhering to established adoption protocols. This process may include further public scrutiny, evaluations by City Council, and environmental assessments as mandated by the California Environmental Quality Act.

THANK YOU!
In addition to the Foster City
community who took the time
to participate in the Climate
Action Plan (CAP) community
outreach process to share their
experiences and priorities with
us, we would also like to thank
external stakeholders and non-
proﬁt organizations who
provided additional guidance,
support, feedback, and content
throughout the development
and adoption process. Their
oversight was invaluable to the
creation of this CAP and will
continue to be instrumental
throughout its implementation.

This Climate Action Plan was
developed using sections from
the Regionally Integrated
Climate Action Planning Suite
(RICAPS) template and climate
action planning tools.

Additional technical assistance
was provided by Rincon
Consultants, Inc.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | iv
This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | v
Letter from the Mayor
At a critical point in its climate journey, Foster City is greatly inﬂuenced by its community's and businesses' innovative and entrepreneurial spirit . This spirit has fueled its legacy in environmental leadership, showcased by initiatives such as the Levee Improvements Project , the various environmental rebates offered by the City, green infrastructure, the Library/Community Center Solar Parking Project, and single-stream recycling, to name a few.

Since introducing the Climate Action Plan (CAP) in 2016, Foster City and the rest of California have faced unprecedented climate challenges such as droughts, heatwaves, wildﬁres, and extreme storms. These events demonstrate that climate change is an immediate threat to the quality of life in Foster City and the broader San Mateo County. As part of San Mateo County, Foster City confronts rising sea levels, temperature ﬂuctuations, ﬂooding, air pollution, health issues, and water supply concerns, all demanding immediate action. The city has a history of leading in sustainability and climate action, eviden ced by its achievements in meeting greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction goals.

In response to these challenges, Foster City has developed a forward-thinking CAP. This plan is rooted in local solutions to tackle the global issue of climate change effectively . It is a comprehensive blueprint for sustainability, involving every community member in the mission to protect our environment and health. In 2023, extensive outreach was conducted to gather feedback on GHG reduction strategies and to understand what sustainable actions community members are already undertaking and the barriers to climate action.

The CAP sets ambitious targets, including reducing community and municipal emissions by 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, leading towards an 85% reduction by 2045. It offers practical suggestions for energy efﬁciency, water conservation, and alternative transportation, emphasizing a collective approach to a sustainable future.

Foster City’s efforts, although signiﬁcant, are just a part of the more extensive community action n e e d e d f o r s u s t a i n a b i l i t y . T h e C A P i s a c a l l t o a c t i o n f o r e v e r y o n e t o j o i n i n F o s t e r C i t y ’ s transition toward a cleaner, healthier, and more prosperous future. Your participation is crucial to our success in this endeavor!

Signed,
[Your Mayor]

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | vi
This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | vii
What You Can Do

LOW CARBON TRANSPORTATION
• Switch to an electric vehicle (EV) instead of a traditional car. • Opt for biking, walking, or using public transport as much as possible. • Cut down on driving by working from home if it's an option. • Turn off your car when waiting, like at the ATM or school pick-up/drop-off lines.

RENEWABLE ENERGY & ELECTRIFICATION
• Instead of using natural gas, upgrade to electric appliances and heating systems, such as heat pumps, water heaters, and HVAC systems.
• Choose Peninsula Clean Energy's ECO100 for 100% renewable and carbon-free electricity.
• Put a solar energy system on your home and consider adding battery storage.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
• Improve your home or business's energy efﬁciency by enhancing insulation, sealing leaks, and installing a programmable thermostat.
• Switch to LED bulbs for indoor and outdoor lighting and remember to turn them off when not needed.
• Opt for appliances and equipment that are Energy Star certiﬁed for better energy conservation.
• Consider getting an energy assessment for your home or business to identify further energy-saving opportunities.

WASTE REDUCTION
• Dispose of your food scraps in the green bin or compost them at home. • Shop smart by purchasing only what you require and buy previously owned where feasible.
• Give away surplus food, used clothing, and housewares. • Avoid aspirational recycling. Be meticulous in sorting your recyclables correctly.

WATER CONSERVATION
• Switch out your lawn for a garden that can withstand dry conditions. • Set up a drip irrigation system, schedule it to operate early in the morning, and routinely inspect it for leaks.
• Opt for faucets, showerheads, and toilets that use less water. • When it's time to replace them, choose water-efﬁcient dishwashers and clothes washers.

SEQUESTRATION
• Plant trees appropriate to your situation.
• Add compost to your soil.

SUSTAINABLE LIVING
• Calculate and commit to reducing your carbon footprint by taking the actions this plan identiﬁes.
• Become a climate advocate at every "table" you sit at – home, work, clubs, school, etc. • Encourage friends and neighbors to adopt sustainable living practices – lead by example (adopt a plant-based diet, purchase an EV, electrify your home, etc.)

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | viii

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | ix
Table of Contents

Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................... 12 Section 1: Introduction .................................................................................................................... 14 Beneﬁts of Climate Action (and Adaptation) ............................................................................ 18 Why Update the City’s Climate Action Plan? ............................................................................ 21 Highlights of the Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan ......................................................... 22 How to Achieve the “Big Goal (50% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2030)?” ...................... 22 Section 2: What is Climate Change? ............................................................................................. 25 Climate Change 101 .................................................................................................................... 25 Climate Hazards in Foster City.................................................................................................... 26 Section 3: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions .............................................................................. 41 Methodology ................................................................................................................................. 41 2019 GHG Emissions Inventory .................................................................................................. 43 2030 – 2045 GHG Emissions Forecasts ..................................................................................... 47 Section 4: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets ............................................................... 53 2023 Climate Action Plan Reduction Targets ........................................................................... 53 Local Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategies ......................................................... 55 Section 5: Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions ..................................................... 57 Community Engagement ............................................................................................................ 57 Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategies Overview .............................................................. 58 Sector 1: Energy and Water (E-W) ............................................................................................. 60 Sector 2: Transportation and Land Use (T-L) ............................................................................ 68 Sector 3: Waste and Consumption (W-C) ................................................................................. 73 Sector 4: Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L) .................................................................. 75 Section 6: Conclusion ...................................................................................................................... 78 Implementation and Monitoring ................................................................................................ 78 Funding .......................................................................................................................................... 78 Appendix A – Climate Regulatory Context ................................................................................... 80 International Climate Action Guidance ..................................................................................... 80 California Policy and Regulatory Context ................................................................................. 81 State-Level Programs ................................................................................................................... 86 Local Policy .................................................................................................................................... 87

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | x
Appendix B – Glossary of Abbreviations ....................................................................................... 89 Appendix C – Community Engagement ........................................................................................ 90 Appendix D – 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory ........................................................ 91

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | xi
This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 12
Executive Summary
The City of Foster City was established in 1971 in San Mateo County, California. Nestled on the eastern shoreline of the San Francisco Peninsula, it sits between San Francisco and San Jose, east of U.S. 101. Initially conceived as a "Planned Community," Foster City is home to over 33,000 residents and boasts a unique character deﬁne d by nine residential neighborhoods complemented by commercial hubs and light industrial areas. Encompassing approximately 20 square miles, four square miles consist of developed land and reclaimed marshland, with the remainder comprised of the waters of the San Francisco Bay and Belmont Sloughs.

Positioned at an elevation of around 7 feet above sea level, Foster City relies on a network of levees and seawalls to mitigate tidal and ﬂood risks from the Bay to the east and the Peninsula to the west.

Foster City grapples with climate -related challenges, including rising sea levels, ﬂooding (potential dam inundation), extreme heat, and drought. Since its incorporation, the city has encountered several of these phenomena. Looking ahead, the intensiﬁcation of these hazards could be exacerbated by evolving climatic conditions driven by rising temperatures and shifting precipitation patterns.

Cities stand at the frontline combating climate change, spearheading global efforts to curb carbon emissions through bold policies and embracing clean technologies. Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) sets forth a paramount objective: slashing carbon e missions by nearly 50% below 2005 levels by 2030, marking a pivotal step toward the overarching aim of an 85% reduction by 2045.

Remarkably, Foster City has already made substantial headway in its climate endeavors.

Between 2005 and 2019, emissions plummeted by 59,810 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalents (mtCO2e), achieving a 22.5% reduction from 2005 levels. To achieve the targeted 50% reduction by 2030, Foster City must further slash emissions by approximately 130,226 mtCO2e by the end of the decade, a crucial stride in curbing the trajectory of carbon emissions and averting exacerbated climate impacts.

The CAP delineates a comprehensive roadmap for emissions reduction across two pivotal sectors: 1) energy and water and 2) transportation and land use . Additionally, it emphasizes two additional sectors focusing on (3) waste and consumption as well as (4) climate resiliency and leadership, recognizing the imperative of fortifying the city against impending climate hazards.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 13

Furthermore, the CAP underscores the involvement of municipal operations and community engagement, rallying residents, organizations, and businesses to partake in Foster City's emission reduction endeavors. It is an ambitious community-driven platform to propel policies and initiatives that foster quality of life, innovation, and social equity.

Acknowledging that even complete elimination of emissions today won't preclude future climate impacts, Foster City underscores the necessity of fortifying resilience against rising sea levels, heightened temperatures, and exacerbated ﬁre risks. The CAP ar ticulates a strategic blueprint for proactively developing a climate change resiliency plan to address these challenges.

Realizing the considerable investment required to support the CAP, Foster City emphasizes the need to facilitate residents' and businesses' access to funding for decarbonizing buildings, vehicles, and lifestyles.

To ensure the CAP's effective implementation, Foster City underscores forming an interdepartmental team, collaborating with civic and business leaders to maintain momentum and ensure accountability. Annual progress reports and a ﬁve-year CAP update will be integral to tracking and adjusting strategies accordingly.

Ultimately, the CAP serves as a conduit to build upon past successes, rallying stakeholders to actively participate in the transition to a low -carbon future and a clean economy. In doing so, Foster City envisions fostering a resilient economy while nurturi ng a livable and sustainable community for present and future generations.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 12

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 14
Section 1: Introduction
Climate change, driven by human activities,
inﬂuences extreme weather and climate
phenomena worldwide. Documented changes
include more frequent and intense heat waves ,
heavy rainfall, coastal ﬂooding, droughts, and
hurricanes. California, including Foster City, is
witnessing the impacts of these climatic shifts. Both
gradual changes, like sea level rise, and sudden
climate events, such as extreme temperature
ﬂuctuations, pose challenges to people,
infrastructure, urban areas, and natural
ecosystems. Thes e challenges often hit the most
vulnerable groups in the community hardest.

In response, Foster City proudly introduces its
2023 Climate Action Plan. This strategic guide
outlines the city's approach to tackling climate
change. Foster City's residents have already been
proactive in environmental stewardship,
positioning the city a s a leader in regional climate
initiatives.

Aligning with the state's vision, Foster
City aims to achieve 50% below 2005 levels by
2030.

The 2023 Climate Action Plan is an update to the
City’s ﬁrst CAP, adopted in 2016. Since completing
most of the initiatives in the original Plan, this
update charts the course for reaching a new
ambitious target. The ﬁrst Climate Action Plan
established the following GHG Reduction targets:
• 15% GHG emissions reduction below 2005
levels by 2020 – TARGET MET
• 20% below 2005 by 2025 – TARGET MET

What is a Climate Action Plan?

A Climate Action Plan (CAP) is a crucial
strategic document for a city, focusing on
several key aspects:

1. Projection of Climate Change Impact on
Natural Hazards: The plan also examines
how climate change might alter the
frequency and intensity of natural hazards
like ﬂooding, wildﬁres, and storms, and
prepares the city to adapt to these
changes.

2. Assessment of Current and Future
Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This involves
a detailed analysis of the current levels of
greenhouse gas emissions within the city
and projections for future emissions
based on current trends and policies.

3. Setting Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Reduction Targets: Climate Action Plan’s
set speciﬁc, measurable targets for
reducing greenhouse gas emissions
within a certain time frame, aligning with
broader environmental goals and
commitments.

4. Developing Strategies and Actions for
Emissions Reduction: The CAP outlines
various strategies and actions that the City
intends to implement to achieve the set
emission reduction targets. This could
include promoting renewable energy,
enhancing public transportation,
improving energy efﬁciency in buildings,
and other sustainable practices.

Speciﬁcally, the CAP for Foster City is tailored
to reﬂect the unique environmental and
community characteristics of Foster City. It
represents a reafﬁrmation of Foster City's
commitment to environmental leadership
within San Mateo County in the face of climate
change challenges.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 15
Since 2016, signiﬁcant climate action and sustainable measures have already been taken by the city, including, but not limited to:

• Enhancing the levee system to bolster defenses against storm surges and rising sea levels, ensuring its stability until at least 2050
• Installing solar panels at the Library/ Community Center • Adding electric vehicle charging stations to the library’s public parking lot • Upgrading to low-ﬂow faucets and energy-efﬁcient lighting in city facilities • Shifting city facilities to entirely renewable energy sources, with community options available through Peninsula Clean Energy
• Transforming Park landscapes to low water usage designs • Providing rebates and ﬁnancial incentives for community members to adopt energy - efﬁcient, water-efﬁcient, and sustainable practices
• Incorporating electric and hybrid vehicles into the city's ﬂeet • Implementing the latest Green Building standards for new construction and remodeling projects
• Created an agreement with Peninsula Clean Energy to create an Electric Vehicle Fleet Plan
• Offer PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) Program ﬁnancing to residents

These initiatives reﬂect Foster City's dedication to environmental responsibility and its role as a forerunner in regional climate action.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 14
In 2021, the existing plan, various measures,
and laws were evaluated to update the Climate
Action Plan. This review also involved creating
a Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Inventory
for 2019, which helped understand how much
greenhouse gas the city produced.

The 2019 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions
Inventory demonstrated that Foster City
produced approximately
205,958 metric tons
of CO2 equivalent community-wide, spanning
residential, commercial/ industrial ,
transportation, waste, wastewater, and water
sectors. This ﬁgure represents a

22.5%
reduction in total community emissions
compared to the baseline year 2005.

Figure 1.1: Foster City 2019 Community GHG
Emissions (MTCO2e) by Sector

Residential Energy Use, 14%
Solid Waste, 1%
Water, <1%
Wastewater, <1%
Transportation, 57%
Commercial Industrial
Energy Use, 28%
Foster City 2019 GHG-Emissions
Inventory Key Findings

• Foster City's 2019 GHG Emissions:
205,958 metric tons
• Total GHG Reduction (from 2005 levels):

22.5% (from 265,768 metric tons)
• Main emissions source:

Transportation contributed 57%
(117,524 metric tons).
• Second-highest source:

Nonresidential building energy use
(electricity, natural gas), 28% of
emissions (56,641 metric tons).

2019 emissions align with the 2015 Climate
Action Plan goals, achieving a 22.5% decrease
from the 2005 baseline.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 15
This CAP update looks ahead to the ambitious goals
and transformation and lays the groundwork for
embracing innovation and weathering disruption. By
achieving the objectives in this CAP, the City will reach the ﬁrst
milestone target of at least a 50 percent
reduction in GHG emissions below 2005 levels by
20300F

1. Achieving this ﬁrst milestone will allow

In addition to reducing emissions, the community will
need to adjust to a changing climate and prepare for
more frequent and intense climate change impacts.

This CAP indicates how to plan a pathway to increased
community resilience and climate readiness. The
City’s Levee Improvements Project exempliﬁes
climate readiness and mitigation.

This Plan was developed in collaboration with
community stakeholders and is a call to action for
government, businesses, and residents to engage
and support the collective journey to achieving the
City’s climate goals.

Since its initiation in September 2022, the Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) Update Project has
demonstrated the effectiveness of community
engagement in shaping environmental policy. With a
thorough approach that included a Community
Engagement Plan , Citizens Sustainability Advisory
Committee (CSAC) involvement , and aggressive
community outreach, the CAP team effectively captured the diverse viewpoints of Foster City residents. Insights from surveys, meetings, and focus groups have been crucial to identifying key areas like improved public transportation and sustainable living and highlight ing the community's eagerness for proactive climate action, from recycling to advocating for electriﬁcation.

1 On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030.

Foster City’s Citizens
Sustainability Advisory
Committee (CSAC)

The City's Citizens Sustainability
Advisory Committee (CSAC) was
instrumental in aligning the Climate
Action Plan (CAP) with the community's
vision, playing a vital role in outreach
and planning. Functioning as an
advisory body on sustainability
challenges in Foster City, CSAC
addresses environmental, economic,
and social aspects. Its composition
includes ﬁve voting members who are
residents of Foster City, two youth
voting members from the community,
two voting members representing local
businesses (one from a major employer
and another from a small business),
and one voting member from a local
non-proﬁt organization.

Throughout the climate planning
process and beyond, CSAC acted as a
key liaison and trusted partner to the
wider Foster City
community. As
representatives of the community,
CSAC members were pivotal in forging
essential connections and gathering
crucial feedback.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 16
This engagement process has enhanced the understanding of community needs and barriers to action and set the stage for actionable strategies, reﬂecting Foster City's dedication to a collaborative approach to climate change solutions. The solid foundation of community feedback as the Climate Action Plan advances to implementation is essential for its effectiveness and enduring impact, embodying the essence of collective action for a better future.

While the CAP focuses on achieving the 2030 goal, continued implementation of the actions in the plan past that date will help the City reach its 2045 goal. Ultimately, more aggressive state, federal, and international action is required to reduce global emissions to levels that will avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change. For this reason, Foster City’s CAP contains actions to advocate at the state and federal levels for policies and actions that support the rapid transition to GHG-free energy sources, electriﬁcation of buildings and the transportation ﬂeet, and other sweeping measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions sharply.

The Big Goal: 50% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2030, Leading to an 85% Reduction By 20452 (below pre-2005 levels)

To meet the 2030 50% reduction goal, this Plan provides a roadmap to reduce emissions and promote climate action and sustainable living in four sectors:

• Energy and Water (emissions reduction)
• Transportation and Land Use (emissions reduction)
• Waste and Consumption (sustainable living)
• Climate Resiliency and Leadership (sustainable living)

Each sector has strategies, actions, and methods to encourage community participation. The key actions identiﬁed in each sector need to be accomplished within the next 5-7 years to stay on pace with achieving the City’s climate goals. These sectors were selected based on GHG emissions, community feedback received throughout the engagement process, and climate action best practices. Below is a complete list of all the strategies included in this plan:

2 In 2022, California passed AB 1279, mandating the state to reach "net zero greenhouse gas emissions" at the earliest possible time, with a deadline of no later than 2045. Following this, the state must then attain and sustain net negative GHG emissions.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 17
Table 1.1: List of 2023 Climate Action Plan Target Measures and GHG Emission Reduction Impact

TARGET MEASURE SECTOR GOAL
GHG
IMPACT
Reduce energy emissions by
50% by 2030 compared to 2005
Energy and
Water
Reduce emissions from the
energy sector
0 MTCO2e
Increase residential and
commercial solar installations
Energy and
Water
Decarbonize existing
residential and commercial
buildings
-1,485
MTCO2e
Decarbonize 10% of existing
commercial and 20% of existing
residential buildings by 2030
Energy and
Water
Decarbonize existing
residential and commercial
buildings
-29,308
MTCO2e
Continue to provide carbon-
free electricity options to the
community and maintain
Peninsula Clean Energy opt-out
rates of less than 3%
Energy and
Water
Decarbonize existing
residential and commercial
buildings
-6,280
MTCO2e
Reduce water consumption by
5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045
Energy and
Water
Reduce water consumption 0
MTCO2e
Reduce vehicle miles traveled in
the City
Transportation
and Land Use
Reduce vehicle miles traveled
in the City
0 MTCO2e
Increase the share of ZEV
passenger vehicles to 30%
Transportation
and Land Use
Decarbonize Transportation -26,542
MTCO2e
Encourage bicycling and micro-
mobility as an alternative to
vehicular travel
Transportation
and Land Use
Increase walkability and bike-
ability
-1,714
MTCO2e
Signiﬁcantly reduce organic
waste in landﬁlls.

Waste and
Consumption
Increase diversion of materials
from landﬁlls
0 MTCO2e
Collaborate with community
stakeholders to create Local
Climate Action Programs that
empower individuals to make
behavioral changes
Climate
Resiliency and
Leadership
Educate and support the
whole community to live
sustainably
0 MTCO2e
Develop adaptation strategies
to assist the Foster City
community with the effects of
climate change
Climate
Resiliency and
Leadership
Prepare for and adapt to a
rising sea level and climate
change
0 MTCO2e
TOTAL CAP GHG EMISSIONS REDUCTION 65,329
MTCO2e

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 18
This CAP also focuses on municipal operations, issues, and community activities, including how residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to Foster City’s emission reduction goals. It provides an ambitious, community-focused platform to advance policies that enhance quality of life and well-being, embrace smart city innovation, and improve social equity.

Even if all emissions were eliminated today, the City would still see climate change impacts in the future, including rising sea levels, hotter temperatures, and increased ﬁre risks. Foster City understands the importance of laying out a framework for enhancing Foster City’s resilience to these impacts.

To ensure full implementation of the CAP, an interdepartmental team of City staff, in collaboration with civic and business leaders, should be assembled to maintain momentum and ensure accountability. Staff will provide annual progress reports, including greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories, maintain a climate action dashboard on the City’s sustainability website (sustainable.fostercity.org), and begin preparing an update to the Climate Action Plan after ﬁve years.

All Foster City community members, including individuals and businesses, have a key part to play in cutting down their emissions. This collective effort is crucial for Foster City to reach its environmental goals. Working together can overcome this challenge , and a stronger, more sustainable community can be built for everyone.

Beneﬁts of Climate Action (and Adaptation)
Beyond the direct beneﬁt of a more stable climate, many climate actions generate additional beneﬁts, such as the ones listed below.

Public Health
Actions to mitigate climate change can improve air quality, physical and mental health, and access to healthy food. Research suggests that living within 50 to 200 meters of major roadways can trigger asthma symptoms among adults and children and contribute to the development of asthma in children. Consequently, actions aimed at cutting gasoline consumption, reducing trafﬁc congestion, taking vehicles off the road, and electrifying the whole community’s vehicle ﬂeet can reduce the risk of cardiovascular di sease, chronic and acute respiratory illnesses, cancer, and preterm births for those near busy roads.

Actions that encourage active modes of transportation can reduce obesity , improve mental

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 19
health, and diminish the cost of public health services. Green infrastructure projects have been shown to increase recreational opportunities and physical ﬁtness exercises such as dog walking or jogging.

Increased intake of more climate -friendly foods, such as whole grains and vegetables, can reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Adaptation actions that mitigate urban heat island effects, such as planting shade trees, lessen potential health risks to sensitive populations.

The health beneﬁts of climate action include tangible healthcare savings as well . The cost of reducing CO2 emissions is less than the medical costs of treating the health effects of climate change.

Enhanced Resilience
Actions addressing climate change and planning for its impacts can bolster resilience to other hazards. Climate actions can also enhance community cohesion – the networks of formal and informal relationships among neighbors that foster a mutually supporting community.

• One study showed a direct link between increased vegetation and the use of outdoor spaces for social activity.3
• Another study found that even small amounts of greenery increased the safety of urban areas.3F
4 • A survey of residents in many different types of neighborhoods found that the more that neighborhoods were walkable and neighbors knew each other, the more likely neighborhood residents were to participate politically, trust others, and be socially engaged.
4F
5 Reduced Trafﬁc Congestion
Climate actions can reduce trafﬁc congestion. Cities such as New York, Stockholm, and London have implemented congestion pricing— charging tolls to travel in designated urban areas during peak travel times to reduce trafﬁc volume.

The City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County and the San Mateo County

3 Sullivan, W., Kuo, F. and Depooter, S. (2004). The Fruit of Urban Nature: Vital Neighborhood Spaces. Environment and Behavior. 36:678. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0193841X04264945. 4 Kuo, F.E. and Sullivan, W.C. (2001). Aggression and violence in the inner city: Impacts of environment via mental fatigue.

Environment & Behavior. 33(4): 543-571.
5 Leyden K. M. (2003). Social Capital and the Built Environment: The Importance of Walkable Neighborhoods. Am. J. Public Health. 93:1546– 1551.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 20
Transportation Authority partnered to build the San Mateo 101 Express Lanes Project—22 miles of express lanes on U.S.101 from the San Mateo County/Santa Clara County line to I -380 in South San Francisco. The project is designed to reduce trafﬁc congestion and encourage carpooling and transit use on U.S. 101 in San Mateo County.

Foster City has installed 'no left turn' signs on parts of East Hillsdale Boulevard to help manage the heavy trafﬁc during rush hours. Th e Trafﬁc Relief Program aims to lessen the number of drivers who cut through Foster City to avoid trafﬁc jams on Highway 101 and State Route 92.

These drivers often use East Hillsdale Boulevard and East Third Avenue to bypass the busy interchange, rejoining State Route 92 later to cross the bridge. Trafﬁc data from 2018 showed a signiﬁcant increase in cars on East Hillsdale Boulevard during peak times compared to 2015.

Besides easing local trafﬁc, this plan also aims to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles within the city.

Equity and Inclusion
Climate action can foster a more equitable and inclusive community.

Recognizing the importance of public participation
and inclusion, the City conducted two online
Community Meetings to expand access, leveraged
the diverse makeup of the City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) to “go where the people
are” further increasing community engagement with
traditionally hard-to-reach population segments, and
provided the community with a menu of opportunities
to be heard (surveys, community meetings,
sustainable activities, booths at events, focus groups, and indiv idual community conversations ). Over 2,000 community members were engaged through the combined efforts of the CAP team.

Economic Stability and Growth
Climate action can boost the local economy through local projects, programs, and jobs.

Investments in the construction, manufacturing, clean technology, green infrastructure, and civil engineering sectors provide businesses with growth opportunities and create skilled, well- paying “green” jobs for the community. For example, many jobs in the renewable energy and energy efﬁciency sector are in installation, maintenance, and construction —making them inherently local and inﬂuential to the local economy. C ities can partner with workforce Equity vs. Equality

Equality is like giving everyone the
same thing, no matter their situation.

Equity, on the other hand, is about
giving people what they speciﬁcally
need to have the same chance as
everyone else. Think of it like this:

Equality is handing out the same pair of
shoes to everyone, while equity is
giving each person a pair of shoes that
ﬁts them perfectly.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 21
development organizations, business incubators, B -corporations6, and green businesses to build a diverse workforce pipeline for these ﬁelds.

Studies have shown that energy efﬁciency investments create more jobs than those in fossil fuel industries—the estimate is approximately eight jobs per $1 million invested, compared to approximately three jobs per $1 million invested in fossil fuel indust ries. 5F
7 Investments in
climate action and adaptation can also save the City and community members money. A study by the University of California Transportation Center estimated that maintenance of electric vehicles (EVs) would cost only 50 percent to 75 percent of the average maintenance cost of a conventional vehicle.
6F
8 The sectors most likely to beneﬁt from climate actions and policies are those related to household spending, such as housing, wholesale, and retail. Manufacturers of energy efﬁciency equipment and appliances and renewable energy generation equipment also beneﬁt.

Why Update the City’s Climate Action Plan?
The City of Foster City already plays an important role in shaping community services, including building construction, land use and development, transportation, infrastructure maintenance, parks and open space management and maintenance. The City is uniquely positioned to lead on climate action, facilitate collaboration and partnerships, and engage residents, businesses, community groups, and other partners, including regional agencies, to join these efforts.

The City of Foster City is updating its original 2016 CAP to align with new State regulations ( see
Appendix B: Regulatory Framework) and targets related to climate change. Furthermore, the 2016 CAP set an emissions target for 2025 to achieve 20% in GHG emissions below the baseline year of 2005 . This updated CAP extends the horizon year to 2030 and sets a long - term goal of carbon neutrality by 2045 to align with State targets. The 2016 CAP set the 2025 target of a 20% decrease in emissions from the baseline year of 2005, which the City has already achieved. The City also implemented many policies, projects, and programs outside the 2016 Climate Action Plan reduction strategies.

6 A certiﬁed B Corporation is one that has voluntarily met the highest standards for social and environmental performance in key areas, including Governance, Workers, Community, Environment, and Customers 7 Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps. (2017). The Growth of America's Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs. Retrieved from http://edfclimatecorps.org/sites/edfclimatecorps.org/ﬁles/the_growth_of_americas_clean_energy_and_sustainability_jobs.pdf. 8 Environmental Defense Fund Climate Corps. (2017). The Growth of America's Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs. Retrieved from http://edfclimatecorps.org/sites/edfclimatecorps.org/ﬁles/the_growth_of_americas_clean_energy_and_sustainability_jobs.pdf.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 22
Highlights of the Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
This Climate Action Plan update outlines how the City will create new policies, projects, and programs to support the community in reducing GHG emissions and adopting sustainable living. By updating its existing CAP, the City of Foster City continues its commitment to leading the way to a more sustainable future.

Since the City’s ﬁrst Climate Action Plan (CAP) was adopted in 2016, much has changed regarding climate protection. Consequently, this updated CAP includes the following:
• New federal, state, and local policies and climate targets, including carbon neutrality • Climate change impacts and hazards in San Mateo County and previews what the City needs to plan for
• How the City and community plan to work together to achieve its goals • Foster City GHG emissions from the various sectors
• More ways for individuals, community groups, and businesses to get involved

How to Achieve the “Big Goal (50% GHG Emissions Reduction by 2030)?”
The City of Foster City already plays an important role in shaping community services. The City evaluated existing local actions and outcomes from the 2016 Climate Action Plan, best practices, and State and regional policies to identify four key Focus Areas and associated Goals to achieve its Climate Reduction Targets.

Energy and Water Big Goals:

1. Reduce emissions from the energy sector

2. Decarbonize existing residential and commercial buildings

3. Reduce Water Consumption

Largest Emissions Reductions
Electrify Buildings and Appliances . This plan includes strategies to push new residential and commercial constructions to be entirely electric. Additionally, it calls for replacing natural gas appliances and equipment with highly efﬁcient electric alternatives, such as heat pump technology, when they wear out or break down.

Energy Efﬁciency . The plan includes continued promotion and participation in energy efﬁciency and conservation programs to reduce energy consumption in the built environment.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 23

Transportation and Land Use Big Goals:

1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City

2. Decarbonize transportation

3. Increase walkability and bike-ability

Largest Emissions Reductions
Electric Vehicles. The plan targets 30% of passenger v ehicles registered in Foster City to be plug-in electric vehicles by 2030.

Waste and Consumption Big Goal

1. Increase diversion of materials from landﬁlls.

Largest Emissions Reductions
Waste Reduction . The plan includes actions to signiﬁcantly reduce organic waste from landﬁlls.

Climate Resiliency and Leadership Big Goals

1. Educate and support the whole community in living sustainably.

2. Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level and climate change.

The 2023 Climate Action Plan aims primarily to reach the 2030 target, but continuing its actions beyond that year will help meet the State's 2045 carbon neutrality goal. However, to truly minimize the severe effects of climate change, more intense efforts are needed at the state, federal, and international levels. Therefore, the CAP includes steps to push for policies and actions at the state and federal levels. These would support a prompt shift to greenhouse gas- free energy sources, electrifying buildings and transportation, and implementing other major steps to drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 24
This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 25
Section 2: What is Climate Change?
Human activities, notably the burning of fossil fuels for transportation, electricity, and industry, are major contributors to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases, driving global climate change. These emissions trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, leading to a gradual warming effect. This warming triggers signiﬁcant changes in the Earth's systems, such as altered rainfall and snow patterns, melting glaciers, and ocean warming. This section provides an overview of climate change and its speciﬁc impacts on Foster City.

Climate Change 101
Climate refers to long- term atmospheric conditions, like average temperature, snowpack, or rainfall. Human-induced greenhouse gas emissions are causing unprecedented changes in the climate system, leading to various global weather and climate extremes, inc luding intense heatwaves, coastal ﬂooding, heavy precipitation, droughts, and hurricanes.

California, including Foster City, is already experiencing the impacts of climate change. Both gradual changes (like sea level rise) and extreme weather events pose risks to people, infrastructure, and ecosystems. These changes disproportionately affect vu lnerable populations such as children, older adults , low -income families, and renters. For instance, these groups are more susceptible to health issues during extreme heat and may lack the resources to adapt to climate shocks.

While climate projections don't predict speciﬁc future dates, they offer insights into expected climatic changes. For example, they can estimate future temperature increases or the frequency of extreme weather events, though they cannot pinpoint exact timings.

The future extent of climate change partly depends on current and future greenhouse gas emissions, inﬂuenced by economic, land use, transportation, and energy systems, as well as social and political factors. Scientists use emission scenarios to understan d potential climate outcomes, including a high-emission scenario where emissions rise until 2050 and plateau by 2100 and a low-emission scenario with a peak and decline mid-century due to global reduction efforts.

Climate projections are based on global climate models that simulate past and future conditions. These models help climate scientists assess potential changes based on greenhouse gas emission scenarios.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 26
Climate Hazards in Foster City
Foster City can expect higher temperatures, worsening air quality, extreme droughts, extreme storms, and rising seas due to climate change. Cal -Adapt, the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), and other available tools describe the type, magnitude, and onset of various local exposures of climate change that can be expected by the years 2050 and 2100, as predicted by the modeling of high emissions and low emissions scenarios. This report considers the effects of climate change on local temperature, pre cipitation, drought, wildﬁre, and sea-level rise.

Extreme Heat
California, in general, expects overall hotter conditions for both mean and extreme temperatures. An increase in heat waves and wildﬁres is likely among the earliest climate impacts experienced across the state.

Average maximum temperatures in Foster City are expected to increase by 5-9 degrees Fahrenheit by the end of the century (CalAdapt, 2021). Historically, Foster City has experienced approximately four days of extreme heat per year (For Foster City, this is deﬁned as days when the maximum temperature rises above 93 degrees). This is expected to increase to between 11 and 19 extreme heat days annually by the end of the century (CalAdapt, 2021). Across t he region, heat waves are expected to occur more frequently and be more intense and long - lasting due to climate change.

Unfortunately, Foster City’s tree canopy , which can provide much -needed shade during extreme heat, is limited relative to other cities in the state, covering only seven percent of its land. This percentage is weighted by the number of people per acre (HPI, 2021).

Figure 2.1 illustrates the “urban heat island” effect, where buildings, roads, and urban infrastructure absorb and re-emit the sun’s heat more intensely than the natural landscape. This effect becomes exaggerated in urban areas with limited greenery, resulting in higher daytime and nighttime temperatures relative to outlying areas. The urban heat island effect may exacerbate warming and extreme heat in Foster City and result in higher cooling demands.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 27

Source: USEPA, 2001

Anticipated Impacts
Increases in the number and intensity of extreme heat events will likely result in public health impacts, including heat-related illnesses, death, and worsening cardiovascular and respiratory conditions. Additionally, extreme heat can impact mental health by causing stress, aggression, and fatigue and by worsening existing mental health conditions. The 2006 heat wave in California killed over 600 people and resulted in 1,200 hospitalizations and 16,000 emergency department visits (CNAP, 2015). Extreme heat days also result in missed school and work days due to heat-related illnesses.

Extreme heat can indirectly impact health when power outages are caused by stress on the electrical grid and increased electricity demand for air conditioning. Power outages put vulnerable populations such as the elderly and individuals with existing health conditions at further risk as they must go without medical devices, air conditioning, and refrigeration. Power outages can also result in trafﬁc disruptions and resulting delays in emergency response.

Extreme heat may also result in higher energy costs to cool homes and, over long periods, may result in tree die-off and the loss of urban tree canopy and parks.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 28
Vulnerabilities
Populations vulnerable to extreme heat include individuals with chronic illnesses, children, elderly, unsheltered individuals, uninsured individuals, people with reduced mobility, outdoor workers, linguistically isolated households, and low-income households.

Energy infrastructure experiences stress during periods of high demand that can impact the regional energy grid and result in power outages. Critical infrastructure such as emergency response facilities, healthcare facilities, cooling centers, and community centers may be vulnerable to extreme heat, especially if they do not have backup power sources. Extreme heat can also damage roads due to softening and melting of asphalt, especially in areas with high trafﬁc volumes. Emergency response facilities cannot maintain operations if the connections to power or transportation routes between facilities and areas served are damaged or disrupted.

Higher average temperatures and long heat waves can also impact regional water sources by increasing water demand and evaporation losses.

Most Foster City residents live within walking distance of a park, beach, or open space, which can provide relief during extreme heat events. Additionally, the City’s proximity to the San Francisco Bay and the Paciﬁc Ocean helps mitigate severe heat impacts relative to other communities lying further inland.

Air Pollution
Foster City is vulnerable to high levels of air pollution, mainly diesel particulate matter (diesel PM), resulting from high trafﬁc density and proximity to state and federal highways . The area near the city center is in the 73rd percentile statewide regarding diesel PM. On an average day, the City experiences almost 15 kg/day of pollution from diesel PM. Climate change is expected to increase diesel PM and ground-level ozone concentrations , exacerbating the existing pollution burden in the City (CNRA, 2018; Park et al., 2020).

Regional wildﬁres are expected to increase in frequency and severity in the coming decades.

While wildﬁres in Northern California are generally not a direct threat to Foster City, the City’s air quality will be worsened by their far -ranging smoke impacts (CNRA, 2018). Additionally, changes in precipitation and temperatures are expected to increase pollen and airborne allergens, which may increase allergic reactions and asthma attacks.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 29
Anticipated Impacts
Foster City already experiences air pollution, which higher temperatures and smoke from regional wildﬁres will exacerbate. Existing health conditions may be worsened by poor air quality.

W h e n w i l d ﬁ r e s a r e e x t r e m e , a s o c c u r r e d i n t h e F a l l o f 2 0 2 0 , p o o r a i r q u a l i t y m a y r e q u i r e individuals to “shelter in place” in their homes , which can negatively impact physical and mental health and cause missed work and school days.

Vulnerabilities
Communities and individuals who live in census tracts with poor air quality are susceptibl e to the effects of climate change. The City has relatively high levels of diesel PM, particularly in the census tracts near the center of the City, making it vulnerable to worsening air quality caused by climate change. Trees reduce air pollution by intercepting airborne particles and thr ough the uptake of air pollutants through the leaf stomata. As a result, areas with greater tree cover, like the southeastern portion of the city, generally have better air quality compared to areas with fewer trees. Populations that are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of poor air quality include children, the elderly, outdoor workers, individuals with existing health conditions such as asthma, individuals without access to healthcare, and communities with low birthweights.

Sea Level Rise
This section is directly informed by the 2021 Multijurisdictional Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (San Mateo County, 2021), County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (2018), and Adapting to Rising Tides.

Sea level rise is primarily caused by the melting of ice sheets and glaciers and the expansion of seawater due to global warming. As much of Foster City and the Bay Area is close to the shore, rising sea levels represent one of the region's greatest, if not the greatest, threats from climate change.

Several agencies in San Mateo County have conducted multiple studies on sea level rise, ensuring they use the latest data and scientiﬁc ﬁndings as climate conditions change. So far, sea level rise has been the most extensively researched aspect of climat e change in the Bay area. San Mateo County has also created a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment. This assessment pinpoints regional risks and outlines strategies to enhance resilience against rising sea levels.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 30
In April 2018, the City/County Association of Governments of San Mateo County (C/CAG) Countywide Water Coordination Committee started working on a plan to create a countywide organization to tackle sea level rise, ﬂooding, coastal erosion, and stormwater infrastructure at a regional level. After considering different ways to set up this agency, the Committee suggested expanding the scope, area, and governing board of the existing 1959 San Ma teo County Flood Control District. Assembly Bill 825 (Mullin) was enacted following this recommendation in September 2019. Consequently, on January 1, 2020, the San Mateo County Flood and Sea Level Rise Resiliency District, also known as One Shoreline, was established.

Foster City took dramatic steps to address Sea Level Rise by implementing the Levee Improvements Project, which began in 2014 when the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determined that the Levee did not meet the minimum criteria for ﬂood protection. To maintain FEMA accreditation and keep Foster City properties out of the ﬂood zone, Foster City voters approved Measure P in 2018 with nearly 81% support, authorizing the City to issue a $90 million general obligation (GO) bond to improve and strengthen the Foster City levee system.

The project began construction in October 2020, and over the past several years, the City and a team of contractors have worked to construct the new and improved levee and Bay Trail. The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

Forecast
The global mean sea level has increased by approximately seven to eight inches in the past century, caused by the anthropogenic inﬂuence of the global climate. The San Francisco Bay Area sea levels have increased by about eight inches since 1987 (SMC, 2018). However, the rise in sea level is expected to accelerate even faster in the coming decades, with potential increases of 1.0 feet to 10.2 feet by 2100 (CNRA, 2018). Coastal areas in the Bay Area are expected to experience an approximately 15% increase in areas vulnerable to ﬂooding by 2100 (APG, 2012). Sea level rise increases typical tidal water levels , storm water levels , and ﬂooding inundation risk. The frequency and intensity of coastal storms are expected to increase with climate change.

Daily tidal inundation refers to the effects of sea level rise on high tides, permanently increasing inundation of lower -lying areas.

Figure 2.2 conceptually shows how sea level rise will affect daily tidal inundation and the severity of ﬂooding from future coastal storms. Figure 2.3 depicts the San Mateo County area's regional sea level rise projections.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 31

Figure 2.2: Conceptual Shoreline Cross-Section Showing Tidal Inundation and Coastal Storm Flood Hazards

Figure 2.3: Projected Sea Level Rise by 2100 in San Mateo County Note: Figure 2.3 shows the projected SLR shows conditions without the Levee Improvements Project

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 32
Impact
The San Francisco Bay Area is one of the nation's hotspots for sea-level rise. Sea-level rise and coastal erosion will continue to affect public health facilities, and access to emergency medical services could be impaired. Flood events can lead to physica l injury, illness, disease (e.g., vector-borne diseases like West Nile virus), and business disruption.

In 2018, the County of San Mateo ﬁnalized a Sea -Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment for the County in coordination with cities, agencies, businesses, community groups, and others. Sea- level rise impacts include ﬂooding, increased wave action, rising grou ndwater tables and saltwater intrusion, increased erosion (i.e., landward shoreline retreat), and changes in sediment supply.

The economic value of San Mateo County property at risk from sea -level rise exceeds that of any other county in the Bay Area. The assessed value of parcels in the study area exposed to near-term (present -day) ﬂooding exceeds $1 billion, and the assessed v alue of parcels exposed to erosion and ﬂooding in the long term (50 to 100 years) totals roughly $39.1 billion.

In addition, the built and natural infrastructure meant to protect people and properties from ﬂooding could be lost or severely affected, including more than 7,000 acres of wetlands (over 80 percent of all wetlands assessed) and as much as 24 miles of ﬂoodwalls and levees.

When population projections are considered, San Mateo County is one of six counties with more than 100,000 people in the nation (and the only one on the West Coast) that will be affected by a three-foot rise in sea level.

Vulnerabilities
Sea level rise would impact homes, roads, or major infrastructure in the City before 2100 if the City did not raise the levee and other adaptation actions. Additionally, the combined impacts of sea level rise and extreme rainfall could increase coastal and inland ﬂooding of roads, residences, and evacuation routes. Ninety -nine percent of the population in Foster City lives within a sea level rise inundation area (HPI, 2021).

Recreational land uses such as parks and trails will be affected by sea -level rise . Other infrastructure designed to protect residents in a ﬂood is vulnerable. This infrastructure includes outfalls, storm drains, and a stormwater pump station. Approximately 90% of Foster City’s wetlands, which will serve a role in helping the city adapt to rising sea levels, would be affected.

Population groups most vulnerable to coastal hazards include older individuals and individuals

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 33
with reduced mobility , as they may be less able to evacuate in the event of ﬂooding. Low- income households, renters, rent -burdened households, and single- heads of the household are less likely to have access to ﬁnancial resources and forms of reliable transportation, which are critical when evacuating from ﬂood hazards or rebuilding following a ﬂood event.

Unhoused individuals are particularly exposed to ﬂood events and may have difﬁculty evacuating or relocating during a ﬂood. Linguistically isolate d households may also be vulnerable in a ﬂood event as they may face more difﬁculty accessing timely information about evacuation.

Physical vulnerabilities to sea level rise within Foster C ity include residences, transportation infrastructure, businesses, recreational facilities, emergency response facilities, and stormwater and wastewater infrastructure.

Unfortunately, mitigating the impacts of rising sea levels is costly and requires extensive resources. Additionally, natural ﬂood protection and natural recreation areas could be lost from signiﬁcant impacts from rising sea levels.

Extreme Storms and Stormwater Flooding
Forecast
Foster City’s coastal areas and some areas further inland fall within the 100-year ﬂood zone and storm wave hazard areas, as designated by FEMA. The city is also fully within the “Area of minimal ﬂood hazards.” Under existing conditions, during a 50 or 100-year storm, widespread ﬂooding can occur throughout the City. Figure 2.4 , from the City’s 2020 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) (part of the City’s General Plan Safety Element) , shows ﬂood hazard areas at risk from 100-year and 500-year storms.

Foster City’s levee system provides ﬂood protection from the San Francisco Bay area’s tidal action. City land within the levee system is not at risk from the 100-year ﬂoodplain, and ﬂooding does not pose risks to land development (Foster City Land Use and Circulation Element, 2016)

The city has existing natural and artiﬁcial infrastructure that protects it from ﬂooding hazards.

Foster City Lagoon is a storm drainage retention basin, while Belmont Slough and Marina Lagoon is a stormwater basin.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 34
Figure 2.4: FEMA Flood Hazard Areas

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency, intensity, and duration of extreme precipitation events, likely increasing these types of ﬂooding. By the late 21st century, total rainfall during precipitation events may increase by as much as 37 percent. The frequency and

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 35
severity of atmospheric river events (narrow bands of concentrated moisture that deliver intense precipitation over several days) are projected to increase in Foster City. Additionally, the impacts of stormwater ﬂooding will be compounded by rising sea le vels. With higher coastal water levels, extreme rainfall events will likely result in water backing up into the stormwater system and ﬂooding through maintenance holes, as the stormwater system cannot move water into the ocean quickly enough.

Flooding from severe storms has been a common hazard in the Bay Area from 1950 -2015, occurring on average 1.3 times per year over the past 60 years (Local Hazard Mitigation Plan).

Anticipated Impacts
Changes in snowpack levels and seasonal dryness increases could signiﬁcantly impact regional water supply. As a part of the Bay Area Water Supply and Conservation Agency, Foster City relies heavily on water originating from the Sierra Nevada, with approximately 85% of the City’s total water supply coming from the Hetch Hetchy Watershed, sourced from the spring snowmelt from the Tuolumne River. The City also receives water from two local watersheds, the Alameda and Peninsula Watersheds . The recent 2011 to 2015 drought resulted in a declared State of Emergency and Bay Area water districts a nnouncing local emergency proclamations.

Increased extreme storms and precipitation can result in ﬂooding of streets, roads, and low - lying areas of the City due to the diminished function of the stormwater drainage system.

Flooding can impact important roadways and evacuation routes, as well as emergency evacuation routes and response times. Flooding of transportation routes may result in neighborhoods or households becoming stranded, unable to evacuate or access critical resources, or to be reached by emergency response. Additional surface water on roads can also lead to hazardous driving conditions. More frequent and severe ﬂooding could damage residential and commercial property , displace populations, and cause injuries. Additionally, ﬂooding can have a long-term impact, increasing mold and respiratory health issues.

If critical facilities such as emergency shelters, emergency response centers , or healthcare facilities are located below grade or have infrastructure situ ated below grade, they could be impacted by severe storms and ﬂooding. Extreme storms and ﬂooding also have the potential to impact power supplies, which are needed to deliver water, power, and other critical needs to residences and critical infrastructure such as hospitals and emergency response centers.

Vulnerabilities

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 36
Vulnerable populations include individuals without automobile or transit access, linguistically isolated individuals, young children, and older adults, as they may be less able to evacuate in the event of a ﬂood. Additionally, low-income households, renters, rent-burdened households, and single-head households are less likely to have access to ﬁnancial resources and forms of reliable transportation, which are critical when evacuating from ﬂood hazards or rebuilding following a ﬂood event. Unhoused neighbors are particularly exposed to ﬂood events and may have difﬁculty evacuating or relocating during a ﬂood. Linguistically isolated households may be particularly vulnerable in a ﬂood event as they may have more difﬁculty accessing evacuation information.

The City’s storm drain infrastructure is likely vulnerable to increases in precipitation. Property, facilities, and infrastructure below grade may also be vulnerable to stormwater ﬂooding. This includes critical facilities, such as hospitals, ﬁre stations, police stations, and city operations.

The City’s corporation yard, located within the ﬂooding hazard area, contains a pump system that reduces inter ior ﬂooding, water supply, and critical communications equipment during emergencies. Should ﬂooding ev ents occur, the facility and equipment could be damaged , and access to the facility could be hindered, affecting emergency response services. Other critical infrastructure at risk includes wastewater infrastructure and roads, which can potentially lose function with severe ﬂooding.

Drought
Forecast
The Bay Area is at low risk of primary impacts from drought due to climate change, as the majority of Bay Area water sources are located outside of the region. Several secondary impacts can adversely affect the region, including a decrease in the water supply, impacts on agriculture quality and quantity, increased hazards from wildﬁres, and increased heat conditions. California experienced mild to extreme drought conditions over the past decade, which affected water supply statewide. Drought is affected by the quantity and distribution of precipitation and temperature. When total annual rainfall comes in fewer, more concentrated events, reservoirs and groundwater aquifers become saturated and cannot store additional water.

Water is then lost to stormwater runoff and is not retained in the watershed as it would with more evenly distributed precipitation. Warmer temperatures also increase snow melt, soil evaporation, and evapotranspiration , leading to drier soils , vegetation, and overall drier seasonal conditions.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 37
California's climate is quite unpredictable, with signiﬁcant changes in rainfall from year to year.

In early 2023, for example, intense "atmospheric river" events led to more rain but less water stored in watersheds. Also, rising temperatures are expected to make soils drier and quickly lose moisture.

Rainfall in the Bay Area will keep showing dramatic shifts, alternating between very wet and very dry years. The Fourth Climate Assessment of California predicts more frequent and intense downpours. These heavy rain events could account for up to 50% of the yearly rainfall despite being only 17% of all rain events. Typically, these extreme storms dump a lot of rain over a small area, leading to ﬂooding, especially in ﬂood -prone regions. Moreover, studies suggest that warmer temperatures and short but inte nse rainfalls might increase the risk of ﬂash ﬂoods and debris ﬂows, especially in areas recently affected by wildﬁres.

Climate change is expected to increase the intensity and duration of future droughts (CNRA, 2018). More severe and prolonged droughts across California could signiﬁcantly impact regional water supplies. In particular, climate change is expected to reduce snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which supplies the majority of water for the Bay Area, placing pressure on groundwater resources a nd imported water supply. California has experienced prolonged, severe droughts in recent years , triggering water restrictions. These periods of drought are expected to increase in frequency and severity. The Bay Area is expected to experience secondary impacts on water supplies due to reduced snowpack levels.

Anticipated Impacts
The 2012–2016 statewide drought led to the most drastic moisture shortages in the last 1,200 years, resulting in a 1 -in-500-year low in the Sierra snowpack. This drastically reduced snowpack resulted in $2.1 billion in economic losses, 21,000 jobs lost statewide in agricultural and recreational sectors, and a continuing exhaustion of groundwater sources.

Even while drought conditions lessened in 2023 due to increased rain in the Winter of 2023, the markers for future droughts persist. As the climate changes and drought become more prevalent, Foster City's primary reliance on Hetch Hetchy will become more problematic, with ever-increasing calls for conservation as the greater Bay Area relies on this vital resource as a continued reliable drinking source.

The Estero Municipal Improvement District (EMID), which provides water service to Foster City, declared a water shortage emergency in 2014, leading to water conservation measures.

Intensiﬁcation of future droughts could result in more water restrictions, water price increases,

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 38
and water quality impacts. Stress on the water supply could be compounded by rising sea levels impacting groundwater resources. However, the County of San Mateo Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment (2018), which evaluated the primary sources of potable municipal water supply in the Water Distr icts of San Mateo County, found that groundwater is not currently a resource for the majority of the Water Districts in San Mateo County, including EMID.

Increases in the frequency and severity of drought are likely to impact open spaces and parks, resulting in dry soils and vegetation and the loss of some species that are not drought tolerant.

Drought could result in loss of urban tree canopy and overall damage to local parks. Impacts on vegetation in parks and open spaces may also indirectly affect wildlife. Regionally, stress on water supply may impact agricultural yields and result in higher food prices. Increases in the severity and length of seasonal d ryness and periods of drought are likely to increase the severity of regional wildﬁres. While wildland ﬁres do not directly threaten Foster City, regional wildﬁres can worsen Foster City's air quality.

Under extreme conditions, drought can impact paving materials, resulting in racking and warping or paving materials. The loss of water storage and water supply can also reduce hydroelectric generation, a signiﬁcant power source in California, leading to grid instability and increased reliance on fossil fuels to meet peak energy demand.

Vulnerabilities
Vulnerable populations include low -income households who will be disproportionately affected by increases in water prices. Additionally, individuals sensitive to air pollution , including outdoor workers and those with chronic illnesses, are indirectly impacted by drought when it increases the frequency and severity of regional wildﬁres, causing more smoke and bad air quality days.

The city's physical assets vulnerable to drought include parks, urban trees, and water supply infrastructure.

Increased Impact on Energy Systems
The Bay Area electrical grid, on which the City relies, is vulnerable to power outages during wind and wildﬁre events, such as Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) – planned power outages to prevent occurrences of electrical equipment starting wildﬁres. Many of the state’s natural gas pipelines are located along waterways and will be impacted by ﬂooding from sea-level rise and extreme storm events. California’s transportation fuel sector, which distributes oil from

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 39
reﬁneries to end users, will be increasingly exposed to extreme weather events such as ﬂooding and wildﬁre.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 40
This page was intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 41
Section 3: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions
The ﬁrst step toward developing a climate action plan is to identify sources of emissions and establish baseline levels. In 2021, the City performed a Community and Municipal inventory for calendar year 2019. The 2019 inventory was conducted using the same methodology for developing RICAPS inventories. It was
prepared using a consistent methodology
across all previous data years, except the
road length adjustment by Caltrans in
2016, which resulted in a signiﬁcant VMT
reduction for 2016.

Overall, emissions since 2005 have gone
down considerably, and the City has
achieved the ﬁrst two reduction targets
from the 2015 Climate Action Plan.

Methodology
This Climate Action Plan includes a
detailed assessment of community Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. This involves evaluating the emissions from both residents and businesses, as well as from municipal operations. T his assessment follows recognized protocols and industry best practices to ensure accuracy and adherence to standards. The process begins by pinpointing the various activities that lead to GHG emissions. Data related to these activities for a speciﬁc calendar year was then gathered and summarize d. Utilizing scientiﬁcally established GHG emission factors, this data is transformed into a comprehensive account of the GHG emissions resulting from all the identiﬁed sources. These emissions are quantiﬁed in metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e), providing a clear picture of Foster City’s environmental impact and paving the way for targeted climate action strategies.

This Climate Action Plan features a generation -based GHG inventory focused on emissions from various local sources (Table 4.1) , such as transportation, energy use in the built environment (through electricity, natural gas use, and other stationary fuel combustion), and emissions from solid waste management (speciﬁcally, methane release during organic waste breakdown in landﬁlls). Additionally, it covers water and wastewater -related emissions.

However, it's important to note that not all GHG-emitting activities within the city are accounted for in this inventory. Activities beyond the scope of city policies, and thus outside their control, What is RICAPS?

The Regionally Integrated Climate Action Planning
Suite (RICAPS) is a set of tools and a collaboration
of all 20 incorporated cities and the County in
climate action planning and implementation. The
20 cities and the County work together to plan and
implement measures to reduce greenhouse gas
(GHG) emissions (mitigation) and to plan for climate
change (adaptation). A working group of cities
meets monthly, and a countywide technical
contractor supports the cities and the County by
helping them develop climat e action plans and
GHG emission inventories and by guiding plan
implementation.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 42
are not included. For instance, emissions from vehicles merely passing through the city, with no origin or destination within city limits, are omitted since these are not within the local government's sphere of inﬂuence. Additionally, GHG emissions related to food sources, such as meat and dairy consumption instead of plant-based sources, are not included.

There are two established GHG Inventory methods. Below is an analysis of both approaches.

Generation-Based GHG Inventory
• Methodology: Focuses on emissions based on energy use. • Key Aspects:
o Direct Energy Consumption: Includes transportation energy use. o Electrical Grid Consumption: Accounts for energy used from the grid. o Waste-Related Emissions: Considers emissions from waste treatment and decomposition.
• Industry Standard: This method is widely accepted for quantifying community GHG emissions, categorizing emissions by their source.
• This approach has been used consistently for GHG Inventories since 2005.

Consumption-Based GHG Inventory:
• Methodology: Centers on emissions tied to overall consumption. • Holistic Approach: Offers a broader perspective by quantifying emissions from the consumption of goods and services by residents, including food, clothing, and electronics.
• Emissions Reporting: Emissions are categorized based on consumption types. • Challenges and Limitations:
o Data Availability: There's a scarcity of necessary data to implement this method effectively.
o Life-Cycle Calculations: Difﬁculties arise in conducting life -cycle assessments with limited data, such as the speciﬁc breakdown of food types consumed per household.
•
This methodology is not employed in this plan due to the above challenges.

In summary, While the generation -based inventory method focuses on direct and indirect energy consumption and waste -related emissions, the consumption -based method takes a broader view, considering the entire lifecycle and variety of goods and services consumed.

However, challenges like data availability and the complexity of life -cycle calculations have hindered the implementation of the consumption-based approach in Foster City's plan.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 43

2019 GHG Emissions Inventory
Foster City's ﬁrst generation -based inventory was completed for 2005 (the baseline year ).

Then, in 2010, new residential/business GHG inventories were completed annually, enabling Foster City to track progress over time. The whole community inventory was completed for all sectors – residential, business, and municipal.

In 2019, another whole community inventory (residential, business, and municipal) was conducted, which showed that the City emitted an estimated 205,958 metric tons (MT) of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) from the residential, commercial/industrial, transportation, waste, wastewater, and water sectors. Compared to the baseline year 2005, 2019 saw a 22.5% decrease in total community emissions.

The inventory provides a detailed understanding of where the highest emissions com e from and, therefore, where the most signiﬁcan t opportunities for emissions reductions lie. The inventory also establishes a baseline emission inventory against which to measure future progress.

Emissions are quantiﬁed according to these six sectors:

• The Energy – The electricity sector represents emissions generated from electricity use in homes , commercial and public buildings and facilities, and electric vehicle charging in Foster City.
• The Energy – Natural Gas & Multiple Fuels sector represents emissions generated from using natural gas in homes and natural gas and multiple fuels in commercial buildings.
• The Transportation sector includes emissions from local roads and off -road equipment. Electricity used to charge electric vehicles is embedded in electricity consumption reported in the Built Environment – Electricity sector. • The Solid Waste sector represents fugitive methane emissions generated over time as organic material decomposes in landﬁlls. Although most methane is captured or ﬂared off at the landﬁll, approximately 25% escapes into the atmosphere. • The Wastewater sector represents stationary, process, and fugitive GHGs created during wastewater treatment generated by the community and emissions from energy used to process wastewater.
• The Water sector represents emissions from energy used to pump, convey, treat, and distribute potable water from the water source to water users in Foster City.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 44

The two largest emissions categories are transportation (including highway travel, local travel, and off -road equipment) and building energy use (including residential and commercial/industrial).

Table 4.1: Foster City 2019 Community and Municipal GHG Emissions (MTCO2e) by Sector (breakdown)

INVENTORY/SECTOR
2019 GHG

EMISSIONS
(MT CO2e)

PERCENT OF TOTAL
EMISSIONS (%)
ENERGY (BUILT ENVIRONMENT) 42%
Electricity 7%
Residential Electricity 4,075 2%
Commercial/Industrial Electricity 10,483 5%
Natural Gas & Multiple Fuels 35%
Residential Natural Gas 24,940 12%
Commercial/Industrial Natural Gas 25,420 12%
Stationary Source (Multiple Fuels) 20,738 10%
TRANSPORTATION 57%
Transportation – Local Roads & State Highways 100,867 49% Off-road Equipment 16,657 8%
SOLID WASTE 1%
Solid Waste Disposal 2,234 1%
WASTEWATER <1%
Wastewater Treatment 536 <1%
WATER <1%
Water Use 8 <1%
Total 205,958 100%

MUNICIPAL INVENTORY
Energy – Buildings & Other Facilities 372
Transportation – Vehicle Fleet 443
Solid Waste 26
Total 841

Table 4.2: Foster City GHG Community Emissions Comparison 2005 vs. 2019 (energy breakdown by residential and commercial/industrial emissions)

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 45
Sector
2005 GHG
Emissions
(MT CO2e)
2019 GHG
Emissions
(MT CO2e)
Percent
Change in
Emissions (%)
Residential – Energy7F
9 44,742 29,015 -65%
Commercial/Industrial – Energy8F
10 53,581 56,641 +5%
Transportation – Local Roads & State Highways 163,301 117,524 -28% Solid Waste 4,144 2,234 -54%
Water9F
11 N/A 8 N/A
Wastewater N/A 536 N/A
TOTAL 265,768 205,958 -22.5%

Table 4.3: Foster City Community Annual Emissions Over Time: 2005 – 2019

The most notable shift in GHG emissions comes from residential energy use (Table 4.2).

Overall, the results indicate that the City has already achieved the target milestone from the 2015 Climate Action Plan of reducing community-wide emissions 15 percent below 2005 levels by 2020 and 22.5 percent lower than 2005 levels ; the City has achieved its 2025 – 20% GHG Emissions Reduction Goal (Table 4.3).

9 In 2005, 37% of Residential emissions were derived from electricity. In 2019, the percentage dropped to 14%.

Residential natural gas use has remained relatively flat. 10 Commercial/Industrial energy use has remained flat between 2005 and 2019. However, compared to 2005, Commercial/Industrial electricity use decreased 72% but natural gas and other stationary sources increased 64%. 11 Water and wastewater emissions were not available for 2005. 265,768
246,542
232,913
205,958
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2005 2010 2015 2019
GHG Emissions (MT CO2e)

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 46

Energy (Built Environment) – 85,656 MT CO2e
From 2005 to 2019, Foster City witnessed a remarkable 72% reduction in electricity emissions.

The residential sector saw a 75% decrease, paralleled by a 72% decline in the commercial and industrial sectors.

This signiﬁcant reduction is linked to the city's transition to Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) despite an overall increase in electricity consumption within this period. A pivotal shift in electricity emissions was observed in 2016, marked by a substantial decrease despite stable consumption levels from the previous year. This drop in emissions is credited to the adoption of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) as San Mateo County's electricity generator in 2016, which beneﬁts both municipal and community accounts. Municipal accounts switched to the ECO100 service, offering 100% renewable energy. At the same time, the community was opted into the ECOplus service, which provides 50% renewables per the state's standards, with the option to upgrade to the ECO100. Residential electricity usage rose by 64%, and commercial/industrial usage by 74%.

Natural gas emissions in residential areas have s teadily declined, with a 12% reduction from 2005 to 2019. In contrast, commercial and industrial natural gas and stationary source emissions surged by 52%. The decrease in residential natural gas emissions is attributed to a drop in consumption, given the consistent carbo n intensity of natural gas combustion and a steady push toward electriﬁcation over the past 15 years. The increase in commercial/industrial natural gas and other fuels (stationary source) ha s increased year ly due to increased commercial/ industrial activity in the north part of Foster City.

Transportation – 117,524 MT CO2e
Transportation is the sector with the highest GHG emissions, accounting for 57% of total 2019 emissions. These emissions derive from local roads (including pass-through trips) and off-road equipment.

Between 2005 and 2019, emissions from transportation fell by 34 percent. This decrease was due to less transportation activity , improved vehicle fuel efﬁciency , and an updated methodology for tracking transportation emissions.
12 12 RICAPS uses California Public Road Data (PRD) from Caltrans’ Highway Performance Monitoring System (HPMS) for all jurisdictions’ inventories within San Mateo County, unless the jurisdiction requests the alternative. HPMS VMT data is collected using the in -boundary method, which is more likely to include pass -through trips that fall within the jurisdiction’s geographic boundaries.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 47

Solid Waste – 2,234 MT CO2e
Emissions from solid waste, accounting for about 1% of the City's total emissions, saw a considerable reduction of 37% from 2005 to 2010. They remained relatively steady from 2010 to 2019. Overall, emissions from solid waste fell by 46% from 2005 to 2019, but the decrease was just 15% when considering the period from 2010 to 2019.

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from solid waste occur when organic materials decompose under anaerobic conditions in landﬁlls, releasing methane, a 28 times more potent GHG than CO2. In these anaerobic environments, organic waste like paper, plant debris, and food waste generates methane, whereas non-organic waste such as metal and glass does not.

Water and Wastewater – 544 MT CO2e
Water and wastewater contribute minimally to the City's emissions, each accounting for less than 1 percent of the total. These sectors were excluded from the 2005 emissions inventory due to a lack of data. It was presumed that emissions from water usage we re included under the energy sector, and emissions from wastewater treatment 13 were considered minimal.

However, between 2010 and 2019, emissions from wastewater treatment saw a substantial increase of over 200 percent, while emissions related to water usage dramatically decreased by 99 percent. However, in absolute terms, this equates to an increase of about 366 MTCO 2e for wastewater and a decrease of 559 MTCO2e for water.

2030 – 2045 GHG Emissions Forecasts
To develop a GHG emissions forecast, “growth metrics” (e.g., population, housing, and employment projections) are multiplied by Business-as-Usual (BAU) “growth indicators,” which represent a baseline metric developed from the GHG emissions inventory. This process allows the City to convert growth projections into future GHG emissions estimates using speciﬁc GHG emissions factors, which are assumed to be the same in the future as in the 2019 GHG emissions inventory. The result is a BAU forecast in which GHG emissions change in relation to demographics, assuming that GHG emissions rates and activity data will continue in the future as they did in the year of the 2019 GHG emissions inventory. This methodology is used for all GHG emissions sectors and sources included in the 2019 GHG emissions inventory.

13 Wastewater Treatment Plant emissions are shared with San Mateo, since Foster City and San Mateo share use and owndership of the San Mateo-Foster City Wastewater Treatment Plant (currently under construction).

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 48
The adjusted GHG emissions forecast then accounts for reductions anticipated from state and regional legislation already in place. For example, the California Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) mandates that 100 percent of the electricity sold by the State’s investor -owned utilities be generated from renewable resources by 2045, with an interim target of 60 percent by 2030.

The impact of state - and regional-level actions on reducing local emissions is signiﬁcant and can be seen in
Figure 4.5. It is shown in relation to Foster City’s emissions baseline, business- as-usual forecast, and reduction target.
“Business-as-usual” (BAU) emissions (Figure 4.4)
• This projection represents the emissions expected if the 2019 patterns of travel, energy and water consumption, and waste generation/disposal were continued throughout time. This projection factors in the expected county population rate and job growth across Foster City. This projection is considered without any measures, policies, or actions reducing emissions over time, including state legislation and/or any other policies or procedures accepted after 2019.

Adjusted emissions (Figure 4.5)
• This projection incorporates the same factors as the BAU scenario but includes key State and regional policies. State policies include clean car standards, California Renewable Portfolio Standards ( RPS), and energy efﬁciency policies such as Title 24.

This projection does not include the effect of Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) operating in San Mateo County (see Section 6: Strategies). However, switching from PG&E to PCE reduces energy emissions by providing electricity sourced from a larger share of renewable and carbon-free sources, resulting in lower emissions. Though PCE provides critical emissions reductions through 2030 and 2040, by 2045, the Renewable Portfolio Standard will have closed that gap by forcing all electricity providers to offer a similarly clean energy mix.

2019 EMISSIONS
(MT CO2e)

TARGET EMISSIONS BY
2030 (MT CO2e) – 49%
BELOW 2005 (the number
the City needs to reach)
2030 ADJUSTED EMISSIONS
(MT CO2e) – STATE
REDUCTIONS (the number
the City needs to reach AFTER
state programs)

FOSTER CITY

EMISSIONS

REDUCTIONS REQUIRED
(MT CO2e) TO MEET
2030 GOAL
205,957 130,226 161,716 31,490

31,490 (MT CO2e): This reduction is necessary to reach the 2030 goal. Foster City is committed to taking the actions needed to meet this target. Those actions are described in Section 5:

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 49
Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions. By implementing the strategies in this Plan, emissions are projected to decrease by 62,329 MTCO2e) by 2030, doubling the 31,490 reductions required to meet the 2030 goal.

Figure 4.4: Foster City Business-as-Usual (BAU) GHG Emissions Forecasts (MT CO2e)

Figure 4.4 shows the Business- as-Usual (BAU) forecast from Foster City’s projected growth.

Between 2019 and 2030, emissions are projected to increase by 5 percent, roughly 10,500 MTCO2e. Emissions are projected to rise by nearly 12 percent between 2019 and 2045, an increase of approximately 24,000 MTCO2e.

In addition to the Business-as-Usual (BAU), forecasts were developed under the adjusted BAU scenario, which accounts for the expected impact of signiﬁcant federal and state policies and regulations designed to reduce GHG emissions from the energy and transportation sectors of the economy. The RICAPS Forecasting Tool was used to develop the adjusted BAU forecast, which includes the following regulations and assumptions:

• Advanced Clean Cars initiative
• Low Carbon Fuel Standard
• Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS)
0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2005 2010 2015 2019 2030 2040 2045
Electricity Natural Gas/Multiple Fuels Transportation Sold Waste Wastewater Water

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 50
• Zero net energy (ZNE) new residential construction by 2020 • ZNE existing commercial construction by 2030
• SB 1383 – Organic Waste Diversion

Figure 4.5: Foster City Adjusted BAU Forecast GHG Emissions Forecasts (MT CO2e)

Figure 4.5 graphically depicts the adjusted BAU forecast, showing the large contribution State regulations are expected to have on the City’s future emissions. The City projects that the 2030 Adjusted GHG Emissions will be approximately 161,716 MT CO2e, a 39% reduction from 2005 levels.

As projections extend further into the future, conﬁdence in their accuracy diminishes, given the uncertainty surrounding advancements and shifts in technology, regulations, and business conditions. However, the forecasting exercise provides a valuable basis for estimating Foster City’s future carbon footprint and establishing a roadmap for setting targets and reducing emissions.

To reach the 2045 goal, a much greater reduction would be needed. It is unlikely that the GHG reduction measures in the CAP will be enough to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045. However, 0 50,000
100,000
150,000
200,000
250,000
300,000
2005 2010 2015 2019 2030 2040 2045
Electricity Natural Gas/Multiple Fuels Transportation Sold Waste Wastewater Water

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 51
one can reasonably expect signiﬁcant reductions from additional state actions and technological advances in the transportation and energy sectors over an extended period.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 52
This page was intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 53
Section 4: Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Targets
California has set bold and aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The California Global Warming Solutions Act (Assembly Bill 32) of 2006 aimed to bring emissions down to 1990 levels by 2020. due to a lack of available data for 1990 emissions for local governments, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggested they aim to reduce emissions by 15% from their current levels, as noted in the 2008 Climate Change Scoping Plan.

Due to the uncertainty of 1990 data, San Mateo County cities typically use 2005 as their baseline for measuring emissions and set their GHG reduction goals based on that year.

The State has set more ambitious goals for the future. Senate Bill 32, passed in 2016, targets a 40% reduction below 1990 levels by 2030. Assembly Bill 1279, from 2022, aims for an 85% reduction from 1990 levels and achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

2023 Climate Action Plan Reduction Targets
This Climate Action Plan sets goals to cut communitywide emissions by 49% below 2005 levels (estimated to be 40% below 1990 levels), surpassing the State's guidance for local areas, and aims for carbon neutrality by 2045. The CAP outlines speciﬁc actions and projects emission reductions up to 2030.

Foster City has already surpassed its 2020 GHG reduction target, set in the 2015 Climate Action Plan, of a 20% reduction by 2025. As of the 2019 GHG inventory, Foster City has cut emissions by 22.5% compared to the 2005 baseline.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 54
Figure 4.1: Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan GHG Emissions Reduction Targets

To meet the 2030 Target, Foster City must reduce
GHG emissions by 130,226 MT CO2e.

The GHG Emissions reduction required by 2030 below business-as-usual projected emissions, 130,226 MT CO 2e, is the equivalent of taking 28,979 passenger vehicles off the road for an entire year. However, after adjusting for State regulations (Adjusted Emissions), Foster City needs to reduce local emissions by 34,490 MT CO2e. Section 5 includes strategies and actions to support the 2030 goal and sets the City toward 2045.

Foster City
2023 Climate Action Plan GHG
Emissions Reduction Goal:
34,490
By 2030 (In Addition to State
Emissions Reductions)

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 55

Local Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Strategies
Strategy
GHG Reduction by
2030
Share of Total
Reductions
Electriﬁcation -29,308 47%
Solar Installations -1,485 2%
Peninsula Clean Energy -6,280 10%
Decarbonize Transportation -26,542 43%
Micormobility -1,714 3%
TOTAL -62,329

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 56
This page was intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 57
Section 5: Strategies to Reduce Greenhouse Gas
Emissions
The 2023 Climate Action Plan includes a variety of regulatory, incentive -based, and market - based strategies that are expected to reduce emissions. Several strategies build on existing programs, while others provide new opportunities to address climate change. State actions will have a substantial impact on future emissions. Local strategies will supplement these State actions and achieve additional GHG emissions reductions. Successful implementation will rely on the combined participation of City staff and residents, businesses, and community leaders.

For each of the four sectors , a description of the speciﬁc actions the City will undertake to implement each measure is needed. Sometimes, there is no direct or reliable way to estimate GHG savings for a particular measure, or the savings are embedded in another measure.

Community Engagement
The Climate Action Plan Project Team, which included City Staff, consultants, and the City’s Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) members , conducted extensive outreach on proposed draft strategies (see Appendix C: Community Engagement for more information).

Through surveys, Community Meetings, and individual and group conversations with community members, the following key themes, priorities, and concerns were identiﬁed:

• Respondents felt subsidies were needed to help homeowners, multifamily housing, and businesses upgrade their infrastructure.
• Respondents want updated building codes requiring solar panels and other sustainability metrics.
• Respondents are worried about overdevelopment and want to preserve green space while adopting more drought-resistant plants.
• Residents were very interested in creating more bike infrastructure and public transportation options for residents of Foster City.
• There was an acknowledgment of the difﬁculty of upgrading and adopting technology while owning within a homeowners association.
• Some respondents suggested taxing bad behaviors, such as creating too much waste, recycling improperly, or using too much electricity.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 58

Climate Action Plan Reduction Strategies Overview
This Climate Action Plan sets goals to cut communitywide emissions by 49% below 2005 levels (estimated to be 40% below 1990 levels ) and aims for carbon neutrality by 2045. The CAP outlines speciﬁc actions and projects emission reductions up to 2030.

The local strategies presented in the following sections, summarized in Table 5.1 and Figure

5.2 below, achieve GHG emissions reductions in the community of approximately 17,950 MTCO2e in 2030.

To meet the 2030 50% reduction goal, this Plan provides a roadmap to reduce emissions and promote climate action in four sectors:

• Energy and Water (E-W)
• Transportation and Land Use (T-L)
• Waste and Consumption (W-C)
• Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L)

Each sector has strategies, actions, and methods to encourage community participation. The key actions identiﬁed in each sector must be accomplished within the next 1-5 years to stay on pace with achieving the goals in this plan. These sectors were selected based on GHG emissions, community feedback received throughout the engagement process, and climate action best practices. GHG mitigation measures and actions are organized according to the following hierarchy:

Sectors: Sectors deﬁne the GHG emissions category in which the GHG reductions will occur (see above).

Measures: Measures identify speciﬁc goals and GHG reductions necessary to address GHG emissions in each sector and achieve the community’s GHG reduction targets. The reduction of GHG emissions is included for each measure, if quantiﬁable.

Actions: Actions are the speciﬁc steps the City and community will implement to support each measure, which will accomplish the measure goal together . Actions speciﬁcally identify the mechanisms required for implementation. Measures and actions can be either quantitative or supportive, depending on whether they directly result in GHG emissions reductions or instead

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 59
support reductions (for example, the development of partnerships or education programs).

This CAP also focuses on municipal operations, issues, and community activities, including how residents, organizations, and businesses can contribute to Foster City’s emission reduction goals.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 60
Sector 1: Energy and Water (E-W)
In California, buildings account for 70 percent of total electricity use and 20 percent of total GHG emissions. In 2019, buildings in the residential and commercial/industrial sectors accounted for 42 percent of total emissions in Foster City, with 83 perc ent of building emissions resulting from natural gas or other fuel (stationary sources) consumption and 17 percent resulting from electricity consumption.

Buildings commonly use electricity for lighting, refrigeration, ventilation, cooling, and powering devices like computers and phones. Conversely, natural gas is mainly utilized for space heating, water heating, and cooking.

Connection Between Energy and Water Use
Energy and water usage are interconnected. Energy is necessary for water transport, wastewater, and heating water in homes and businesses. Around 20% of the state's electricity and 30% of its natural gas are used in these water-related processes.

Figure 5.1 illustrates that
10% of this energy is dedicated to water transport and treatment, with the remainder used for heating water across various sectors.

Far more emissions are created from the energy used to heat water, but those emissions are counted in the residential and commercial energy sectors. Therefore, the water sector comprises a much smaller share of community emissions than one might expect.

The State of California remains a leader in implementing policies to reduce water consumption.

Assembly Bill 1668 (AB 1668) and Senate Bill 606 (SB 606), adopted in 2018, require urban water providers to establish a target for water use by 2022 and threaten ﬁnes for agencies failing to meet their goals beginning in 2027. Standar ds will be based on an allowance of 55 gallons per person per day for indoor water use, a to -be-determined amount of residential outdoor use, and a standard for water loss due to leak rates in water system pipes.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 61

Figure 5.1: Energy (Electricity and Natural Gas) Used by the Water Sector in California

Considerations
To reach Foster City's 2030 emissions reduction target, natural gas consumption will need to decline signiﬁcantly through energy efﬁciency and electriﬁcation. Energy efﬁciency is simply using less energy to perform the same task; for example, replacing a low-efﬁciency gas furnace with a high-efﬁciency gas furnace. Electriﬁcation is replacing equipment in buildings powered by natural gas, including gas furnaces and gas water heaters, with electric equipment, such as air source heat pumps and heat pump water heaters.

With the launch of Peninsula Clean Energy and the State’s requirement through Senate Bill 100 (SB 100) that utilities procure 100 percent of electricity through renewable resources by 2045, the percentage of building emissions associated with electricity will continue to decline.

The Big Energy and Water Goals:

E-W.1 Reduce emissions from the energy sector
Target: Reduce energy emissions by 50% compared to 2005 E-W.2 Decarbonize existing residential and commercial buildings

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 62
Target: Increase residential and commercial solar installations Target: Decarbonize 10% of existing commercial and 20% of existing residential buildings by 2030.

Target: Continue to provide carbon-free electricity options to the community and maintain Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) opt-out rates of less than 3%.

E-W.3 Reduce Water Consumption
Target: Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 63
E-W.1 Reduce emissions from the energy sector
Target: Reduce energy emissions by 50% compared to 2005 Enhancing the energy efﬁciency of buildings is typically the most economical way to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Implementing energy efﬁciency measures, like improving insulation and ﬁxing leaks in heating ducts, can lead to energy savings of up to 20%. More comprehensive renovations, such as "whole house" retroﬁts, can yield even greater savings.

Many of these upgrades are affordable and don't require extensive remodeling. Simple changes can be highly cost -effective, such as replacing incande scent bulbs with LED bulbs, sealing drafts, and installing programmable thermostats . Investing in Energy Star -certiﬁed appliances, high -efﬁciency heating and cooling systems, and high -performance windows conserves energy and lowers operational costs. Various rebates, ﬁnancing options, and tax incentives are often available for residents and businesses to support these improvements, helping offset the initial investment costs.

California mandates green building and
energy efﬁciency standards through its Title
24 building codes, updated roughly every
three years. Since 2001, these updates have
consistently heightened energy efﬁciency
requirements. The state's ultimate goal is for
all new buildings to achieve zero net
electricity consumption. Local governments
can hasten progress toward this goal by
recommending energy efﬁciency standards
for new constructions and remodels that
surpass state requirements. Additionally, they
can foster faster community adoption by offering incentives, technical support, and simpliﬁed permitting processes.

What YOU Can Do

• Replace indoor and outdoor lights with LED
bulbs and turn them off when not in use.
• Have an energy assessment done for your
home or business.
• Upgrade insulation, seal leaks, and install a
programmable thermostat.
• Purchase Energy Star appliances and
equipment.
• Unplug electronic appliances when not in
use and set the thermostat to use less heat
and air conditioning.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 64
E-W.1.1 Promote and expand participation in residential and commercial energy efﬁciency programs. (0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Market participation in commercial energy efﬁciency programs offered by SMC Energy Watch and PG&E.

B. Promote appliance rebate programs offered by Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE), PG&E, and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD).

C. Continue and expand participation in energy efﬁciency programs as they become available.

D. Promote utility, state, and federal rebate and incentive programs.

E. Participate and promote ﬁnancing and loan programs for residential and non - residential projects such as Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) programs, PG&E on-bill repayment, and California Hub for Energy Efﬁciency Financing (CHEEF) programs.

F. Through outreach and education, renters are guided on obtaining energy usage and efﬁciency information for rental units.

G. Promote energy audits for all residential, commercial, and municipal buildings through education and outreach.

E-W.1.2 Reduce municipal energy consumption through energy efﬁciency projects and behavioral and operational changes. (0 MTCO
2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Periodically conduct energy efﬁciency audits at City buildings and facilities and implement recommended energy efﬁciency projects.

What is Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE)?

Peninsula Clean Energy began providing electricity from clean energy sources at lower rates than PG&E to 20 cities and towns across San Mateo County in 2016. Customers of Peninsula Clean Energy have two different product options: ECOplus has lower power ra tes and nearly double the percentage of renewable energy as PG&E. ECO100 is 100% renewable, providing the greatest climate beneﬁt. Peninsula Clean Energy also provides a suite of rebates and resources to electrify homes and vehicles, for both residents an d businesses. Learn more at:
https://www.peninsulacleanenergy.com/

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 65
E-W.2 Decarbonize existing residential and commercial
buildings
Target: Increase residential and commercial solar installations Target: Decarbonize 5% of existing commercial and 10% of existing residential buildings by 2030.

Target: Continue to provide carbon -f r e e e l e c t r i c i t y o p t i o n s t o t h e c o m m u n i t y a n d maintain Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) opt-out rates of less than 3%

Renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, geothermal, and small hydroelectric, are the cleanest and most environmentally friendly. According to data provided by Project Sunroof, 73% of Foster City's buildings have solar -viable roofs . Due to a shady roof or a reluctant landlord, residents and business owners can purchase 100% renewable electricity from Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) when solar is not an option. Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 is 100% renewable energy.

Since Foster City’s electricity is so clean, transitioning from natural gas to electric appliances and heating systems is a healthier option. Numerous incentives and rebates are available to encourage replacing natural gas appliances with efﬁcient electric versions, such as water heaters, furnaces, and cooking ranges. To achieve the City’s long-term environmental goals, it will be necessary to switch most natural gas appliances and equipment in existing buildings to electric alternatives.

Additionally, the cost of batteries is decreasing,
making them an increasingly viable option. For
those worried about power outages during
Public Safety Power Shutoff events, combining
solar energy with battery storage is a cleaner
and more sustainable alternative to generators
powered by natural gas or other fuels. As the
City moves towards decarbonizing buildings, it
will be essential for utilities to enhance grid
capacity, invest in electricity storage solutions,
and maintain system reliability. Fortunately, the
ongoing advancement in energy storage
technologies is opening up new business
What YOU Can Do

• Replace appliances that use natural gas
for ones that use electricity.
• Switch to PCE’s 100% renewable
electricity ECO100 product.
• Install a solar energy system on your home
or business and consider battery storage.
• Investigate efﬁcient heat pump
technology so you can swap out water
heaters and home heating systems that
use natural gas when it’s time to replace
them.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 66
prospects and paving the way for a future that relies entirely on electric power and 100% renewable energy sources.

E-W.2.1 Increase residential and commercial solar installations. (-1,485 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Provide ﬁnancial incentives for solar PV and battery storage installations.

B. Encourage bulk purchases such as the Peninsula SunShares Program.

C. Provide free assistance for project developers through the Power Purchase Agreements (PPA) and interconnection process.

D. As necessary, update building codes, design guidelines, and zoning ordinances to facilitate further small, medium, and large-scale installations.

E. Encourage the installation of solar panels over parking areas on commercial projects and large -scale residential developments through ordinance s, engagement campaigns, or agency incentives.

F. Identify and promote ﬁnancing and loan programs for residential and non -residential projects.

G. Study opportunities and speciﬁc action steps to expand municipal rooftop solar and battery storage.

H. Provide education and outreach to stakeholders, including businesses, residents, and contractors, on the beneﬁts of pairing battery storage with solar PV systems at City information centers like the permit counters.

E-W.2.2 Decarbonize 10% of existing commercial and 20% of existing residential buildings by 2030. (-29,308 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Study alternatives and draft regulations that phase in requirements to replace all natural gas appliances and equipment with electric appliances and equipment when they fail or reach the end of their useful life in ALL Foster City buildings.

B. Work with clean energy providers like PCE and local installers to provide technical support to residents and businesses needing to replace gas appliances upon burnout.

C. Advocate for and require ﬁnancial incentive programs for electriﬁcation address ﬁxed- income households (senior and non -senior), multi -family apartments, and restricted affordable residential units.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 67
D. Promote awareness and understanding of electriﬁcation options to the construction industry and the community through education, outreach, and community partners.

E. Work with the County and regional partners, as appropriate, to create and/or implement a Home Ambassador electriﬁcation program and promote the program to the community.

F. Incentivize electric panel upgrades in existing residential and ofﬁce buildings to accommodate all electric technologies.

E-W.2.3 Continue to provide carbon-free electricity options to the community and maintain Peninsula Clean Energy (PCE) opt-out rates of less than 3%. (-6,280 MTCO
2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Until PCE's ECOplus becomes 100% renewable (estimated by 2025), promote and expand the community’s participation in Peninsula Clean Energy’s ECO100 product.

B. Collaborate with PCE and community -based organizations to conduct educational outreach to maintain the reduced opt-out rate levels in the community.

E-W.3 Reduce water consumption
Target: Reduce water consumption by 5% by 2030 and 15% by 2045.

A. Continue to promote water conservation programs and incentives.

B. Encourage the installation of purple pipes to supply recycled water for ﬂushing toilets, washing clothes, and outdoor uses such as watering gardens in homes and businesses.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 68
Sector 2: Transportation and Land Use (T-L)
Between 2005 and 2019, the City reduced emissions from the transportation sector by 28% due to a decrease in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), improvements in fuel efﬁciency, and alternatively fueled cars . 57% of Foster City’s community -wide emissions come from the transportation sector. Reducing these emissions is a top priority to meet the City’s GHG emission reduction goals.

Alternative transportation rates have remained
stagnant despite bicycle and pedestrian
network improvements and public information
campaigns to encourage residents to carpool,
bike, walk, and take transit. As a result, the
Climate Action Plan relies heavily on the
promise of zero -emission vehicles (ZEVs) to
meet its ambitious GHG reduction targets.

ZEVs include all-battery vehicles as well as plug-
in electric hybrid vehicles. Foster City is a leader in ZEV adoption rates – ZEVs already make up approximately 9.27% of all registered vehicles in Foster City. The goal is to increase that rate to 30% by 2030 by building EV charging infrastructure and encouraging ZEV ownership through state and federal incentives and public education. This is an aggressive target, but one that complements the State’s goals to put 5 million ZEVs on the road by 2030 and to require all new passenger vehicles sold in California to be zero emission by 2035. Improvements in battery and charging technology, expected cost reductions, and automakers’ commitments to signiﬁcantly expand ZEV offerings point to an all-electric future. Programs that incentivize used EV car purchases and installation of EV chargers in multifamily buildings can help ensure the beneﬁts of EV ownership are shared by all.

The Transportation and Land Use Big Goals:

T-L.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City
Target: Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.

E-W.2 Decarbonize transportation
Target: Increase the share of ZEV passenger vehicles to 30% by 2030.

E-W.3 Increase walkability and bike-ability
Target: Encourage active transportation as an alternative to vehicular travel.

What YOU Can Do

• Drive an electric or plug-in hybrid vehicle.
• Use electric landscape equipment.
• Bike, walk, or take transit whenever
possible.
• Reduce your miles by working from home
when possible and consolidating vehicle
trips.
• Shut your car off when waiting at the drive-
thru or school pick-up/drop-off lane.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 69
T-L.1 Reduce vehicle miles traveled in the City
Target: Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work.

Minimizing the use of vehicles powered by fossil fuels, especially by substituting them with transportation modes that enhance public health and quality of life, is a key strategy for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This shift connects communities and promotes the well-being of Foster City residents. Encouraging more active forms of transportation can lead to improved public health and quality of life due to increased physical activity and enhanced community connections. Additionally, it helps redu ce trafﬁc congestion and the demand for roads and parking spaces. Increasing access to and use of public and shared transit increases the community’s access to economic opportunities and community connectivity while reducing the number of vehicle miles driven.

T-L.1.1. Reduce vehicle miles traveled commuting to work. (0 MTCO 2e Emissions Reduction
by 2030)
A. Work with Commute.org and SamTrans to maximize ridership by making transit more frequent, accessible, cost -beneﬁcial, and convenient through the expansion and/or improvement of transit routes, schedules, and bus shelters.

B. Work with all business owners to provide “ﬁrst and last mile” programs to maximize utilization of public transit.

C. Continue collaborating with transit and transportation operators to develop shorter route shuttle programs serving residents, similar to Commute.org’s shuttle program.

D. Continue working with Commute.org, Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), and the Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) to promote transportation demand programs to local employers, including rideshare matching programs, vanpool incentiv e programs, emergency ride home programs, telecommuting, transit use discounts and subsidies, showers and changing facilities, bicycle racks and lockers, and other incentives to use transportation other than single occupant vehicles.

E. Work with MTC to identify and notify non -compliant businesses in Foster City and encourage their participation in providing transportation demand management programs.

F. Continue to require program support through City Development Agreements and Conditions of Approval.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 70
T-L.2 Decarbonize Transportation
Target: Increase the share of ZEV passenger vehicles to 30%.

Electrifying the transportation sector will allow it to harness the beneﬁts of increasingly clean electricity anticipated under SB 100. Furthermore, adopting electric vehicles (EVs) reduces tailpipe air pollution, thus offering signiﬁcant public health a dvantages by cutting down a primary source of outdoor air pollution. To reduce emissions in the transportation sector, three key areas need to be addressed: 1) lowering the carbon intensity of fuels, 2) enhancing vehicle efﬁciency, and 3) reducing vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Gasoline and diesel, the primary fuels for vehicles in the state, are characterized by high carbon intensity.

Shifting to fuels with lower carbon intensity, particularly electricity, is crucial for emission reductions in transportation. This transition mirrors the electriﬁcation of equipment in buildings; as the electricity grid increasingly utilizes renewable en ergy sources, the environmental beneﬁts of replacing gasoline and diesel vehicles with EVs grow.

While the City cannot mandate its residents or businesses to buy zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), it can facilitate this transition by providing adequate infrastructure and incentives to overcome barriers to ZEV adoption.

Building out the public and private electric vehicle charging infrastructure is paramount to widespread ZEV adoption.

How many Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Stations are required?

The California Building Standards Commission (CBSC) published mandatory building standards requiring pre -wiring for EV charging station installation in parking spaces at one - and two-family dwellings with attached private garages, multi -family dwellings, commercial facil ities, and public buildings in the California Green Building Standards Code within the California Building Standards Code. In cases in which EV charging stations can simultaneously charge more than one vehicle, the number of EV charging stations provided s hall be considered equivalent to the number of electric vehicles that can be simultaneously charged.

The California Energy Commission estimates that a total of 1.01 million public and shared private chargers will be needed to support a projected 7.1 million passenger plug -in EVs in California by 2030.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 71
T-L.2.1 Increase the share of ZEV passenger vehicles to 30%. (-26,542 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Increase community knowledge of rebates and incentives for ZEV adoption.

B. Leverage incentives from PCE and expand charging infrastructure in public properties, multi-unit dwellings, and workplaces.

C. As the state provides information , document the number of new- vehicle registrations for passenger vehicles that are for zero -emission vehicles (ZEVs), including plug -in electric vehicles (EVs) and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles, as a means of evaluating outreach effectiveness and in preparation for the State of California’s restriction on the sale of gas-powered automobiles by 2035.

D. Institute and/or promote ﬁnancial incentives that encourage using ZEVs and discourage using vehicles with internal combustion engines.

E. Pursue opportunities to expand the City’s EV charging network by ﬁrst identifying suitable Level 2 and DC fast charging locations in public and private locations.

F. Encourage schools to install charging stations in school parking lots.

G. Accommodate the installation of new electric vehicle charging stations in existing commercial parking lots and gas stations by streamlining the permit process and reducing ﬁnancial barriers, where practicable.

H. Participate in regional and coordinated local procurement, outreach , and planning initiatives.

What is the City of Foster City doing?

As part of the commitment to sustainability, Foster City has been integrating hybrid and all -electric sedans into its municipal ﬂeet since 2008. The City consistently assesses the potential for alternative f u e l o p t i o n s f o r a l l v e h i c l e s a t t h e t i m e o f t h e i r r e p l a c e m e n t . I n a s i g n i ﬁ c a n t s t e p f o r w a r d , i n November 2023, the City partnered with Peninsula Clean Energy by joining their GovEV Program.

This program is strategically designed to offer expert guidance and support to local governments in planning and implementing e lectric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and acquisitions. Through the Gov EV program, the City received complimentary technical assistance, project planning, and grant funding, which aids in acquiring new municipal EVs and developing ﬂeet charging infrastructure. Participation in this initiative underscores the City’s dedication to reducing emissions and fostering a sustainable, environmentally friendly city.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 72
T-L.3 Increase walkability and bike-ability
Target: Encourage active transportation as an alternative to vehicular travel.

The City can prioritize active transportation by expanding access to safe and convenient biking and pedestrian infrastructure through implementing plans and programs, surveys of existing conditions, and advocacy.

T-L.3.1 Encourage active transportation as an alternative to vehicular travel. (-1,714 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Promote safe bicycling and micromobility through outreach channels and partner agencies, including e-bikes, electric scooters, and electric skateboards.

B. Continue regional collaboration to establish a bike and/or scooter share program.

C. Enhance City policies to promote shared electric bikes and scooters D. Pilot a program to provide free or reduced- price access to e -bikes or other micro - mobility options to low-income residents and students.

E. Continue supporting the Safe Routes to School Program and strive to increase bicycling, walking, carpooling, and public transit to school.

F. Improve curb management to prioritize rideshare parking/loading zones, scooter and bike share docks, bike parking, EV charging stations, and autonomous vehicle loading zones.

What is Micromobility?

Micromobility refers to forms of transportation, human -powered or electric, that can occupy space alongside bicycles. It includes electric scooters and skateboards, docked and dockless shared bikes, and other forms of small, lightweight devices operating at speeds typically below 20 mph.

Micromobility devices do not have internal combustion engines.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 73
Sector 3: Waste and Consumption (W-C)
GHG accounting is directly concerned with
emissions from the anaerobic decomposition of
organic waste in landﬁlls . The decomposition
process creates methane, 28 times more potent
as a GHG than carbon dioxide over 100 years .

However, landﬁlls capture most of the methane,
and some use it to create biogas or electricity ;
about one-quarter of it escapes into the
atmosphere.

Diverting organic material from the landﬁll is a
clear and viable option for reducing these
emissions. Paper and cardboard can be recycled. Food scraps, soiled paper (like napkins and paper towels), and yard waste can be composted at home or a commercial organic processing facility. Surplus food can be donated to non-proﬁts that distribute it to those in need.

Local measures support state legislation to reduce emissions from organic waste disposal signiﬁcantly. Senate Bill (SB) 1383 establishes a target to achieve a 75% reduction in statewide waste disposal from the 2014 level by 2025. The law also establishes a target that not less than 20% of currently disposed edible food is recovered for human consumption by 2025. On January 1, 2024, CalRecylce required local jurisdictions to impose penalties for non - compliance on regulated entities subject to their authority.

The Waste and Consumption Big Goals:

W-C.1 Increase diversion of materials from landﬁlls
Target: Signiﬁcantly reduce organic waste to landﬁlls.

What YOU Can Do

• Buy only as much as you need.
• Buy locally grown food and eat less
meat.
• Put your food scraps in the green can
and/or compost them at home.
• Donate extra food and used clothing
and housewares.
• Don’t be a “wishful” recycler. Be
scrupulous about how you sort your
recyclables.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 74
W-C.3.1 Signiﬁcantly reduce organic waste to landﬁlls. (0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Achieve increased waste diversion through a combination of efforts , including promoting traditional recycling and organics recycling and local enforcement of recycling requirements.

B. Regular residential and commercial waste audits and characterization studies are required to identify opportunities for increased diversion and track progress in meeting targets.

C. Promote reuse, repair, and recycling of inorganic materials and encourage reduced use of packaging and single-use items through engagement campaigns.

D. Consider adopting a City policy to require all City Events (those sponsored by or using City facilities) to be zero-waste events.

E. Embark on an educational campaign to increase recycling, composting, reuse, and waste reduction within municipal operations at public facilities.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 75
Sector 4: Climate Resiliency and Leadership (C-L)
California is already experiencing the effects of climate change. Every year, it seems like the news gets grimmer: more wildﬁres, more heat waves, longer droughts, more intense storms, less snowpack, and less fresh water. Average annual average air temperatures have already increased by almost 2° F in California, which will likely double even if the world can reduce emissions by 80% by 2050. Foster City needs to be prepared for the likely impacts of climate change, including ﬂooding from more intense stor ms and rising sea levels and the health impacts from heat exposure and poor air quality.

The sea level in San Francisco Bay has risen about 9 inches since 1900 and is expected to rise another 10 inches by 2040. Within this short period, key access routes, public facilities, and commercial areas in the low -lying areas could experience ﬂooding. While the Climate Action Plan contains some measures that address adaptation, a more complete set of goals, policies and programs are contained in the Foster City Local Hazard Mitigation Plan.

The City of Foster City must continue to be a leader in encouraging the behavioral changes needed to meet its community’s climate goals.

The Climate Resiliency and Leadership Big Goals:

C-L.1 Educate and support the whole community to live sustainably.

Target: Collaborate with stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes.

C-L.2 Prepare for and adapt to a rising sea level and climate change Target: Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community with the effects of climate change.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 76
C-L.4.1 Collaborate with stakeholders to create Local Climate Action Programs that empower individuals to make behavioral changes. (0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030) A. Require all new municipal buildings and facilities to meet minimum LEED silver standards outlined by the US Green Building Council or equivalent green building rating system. Require feasibility studies for zero net energy use, on -site renewable energy generation, and on-site batteries for municipal buildings and facilities.

B. Create robust education and marketing Climate Action Programs to support the Community’s sustainability goals.

C. Regularly benchmark the environmental performance of municipal buildings, landscaping, parks and facilities, including energy and water use.

D. Track and report progress towards achieving the City’s greenhouse gas reduction goal – creating and updating a Climate Action Dashboard for Community use.

E. Prepare an inventory of emissions from municipal operations every ﬁve years, establish a GHG reduction target, and develop a work plan to reduce municipal emissions to achieve carbon neutrality by 2045.

F. Seek funding opportunities to support implementing greenhouse gas reduction projects, exploring grant funding, rebates, and other incentive opportunities.

C-L.4.2 Develop adaptation strategies to assist the Foster City community with the effects of climate change. (0 MTCO2e Emissions Reduction by 2030)
A. Coordinate and integrate climate adaptation planning consistently throughout related City plans, including but not limited to the General Plan and its Safety Element, Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP), sea level rise adaptation plans, and emergency and capital improvement plans.

B. Ensure fair and robust inclusion of lower-income households and diverse communities in the planning and response to climate change impacts, including sea level rise, wildﬁre, public health, and emergency preparedness.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 77

This page was intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 78
Section 6: Conclusion
Foster City's Climate Action Plan (CAP) creates a dynamic framework that positions the City on a trajectory towards achieving a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions relative to the levels of 2005 by the year 2030. However, the publication of this plan represents merely an initial step. Paramount to its success is the ongoing revitalization and adaptation of the plan, necessitating periodic updates to incorporate technological advancements and policy shifts.

The signiﬁcance of the CAP extends beyond the municipal endeavor to regulate its emissions.

It serves as a clarion call to the entirety of the community - encompassing residents, educational institutions, and businesses - to actively participate in forgin g a future characterized by low carbon emissions and environmental purity. The progression of this plan not only facilitates the reduction of emissions but also contributes to the fortiﬁcation of the local economy, enhances the City's resilience, and fosters the development of a community that is both sustainable and conducive to quality living for current and forthcoming generations. The overarching aim is to ensure that Foster City maintains its status as an exemplary place of residence, both presently and in the years to come.

Implementation and Monitoring
Plans are only effective if implemented and results are carefully evaluated. The City will prepare and report to the public an annual assessment of its progress in implementing the actions contained in this Climate Action Plan and continue to quantify community and government operations' GHG emissions to determine if the City is on track to meet its reduction targets.

Funding
The steps outlined in this Climate Action Plan (CAP) aren't just about ﬁnding the cheapest way to hit the greenhouse gas (GHG) targets in Foster City. T hese actions were chosen because they ﬁt well with what's happening locally and what the community cares about. Plus, they bring a bunch of extra perks besides just cutting emissions. Following this , climate action plans can also be beneﬁcial to the economy. CAPs can help grow local green businesses, create jobs, and even save money for people and compani es in Foster City. Take, for example, making it safer to walk and bike and improving public transit. Not only does this make getting around cheaper, but it also encourages everyone to be more active, which is great for community health. This plan works toward a greener city and a healthier, more vibrant community.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 79

This page has been intentionally left blank.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 80
Appendix A – Climate Regulatory Context
As the impacts of climate change are being recognized, many strategies that address climate change have emerged at several levels of government. This appendix provides an overview of the international, State, and local regulatory context relative to Foster City’s actions toward reducing its communitywide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

International Climate Action Guidance
1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Paris Agreement (UNFCCC) is the primary international regulatory framework for GHG reduction . The UNFCCC is an international treaty adopted in 1992 to stabilize atmospheric GHG concentrations to prevent disruptive anthropogenic climate change. The framework established non -binding limits on global GHG emissions and speciﬁed a process for negotiating future international climate - related agreements.10F
14 1997 Kyoto Protocol
The Kyoto Protocol is an international treaty adopted in 1997 to extend and operationalize the UNFCCC. The protocol commits industrialized nations to reduce GHG emissions per county - speciﬁc targets, recognizing that they hold responsibility for existing atmospheric GHG levels.

The Kyoto Protocol involves two commitment periods during which emissions reductions are to occur, the ﬁrst of which took place between 2008 -2012 and the second of which has not entered into force.
11F
15 2015 The Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is the ﬁrst -ever universal, legally binding global climate agreement adopted in 2015 and ratiﬁed by 189 countries worldwide. The Paris Agreement establishes a roadmap to keep the world under 2° C of warming to limit an increase of temperature to 1.5° C. The agreement does not dictate one speciﬁc reduction target; instead, it relies on individual countries to set nationally determined contributions (NDCs) or reductions based on GDP and other factors. According to the International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) , limiting global warming to 1.5° C will require global emissions to be reduced through 2030 and hit carbon neutrality by mid-century.12F
16 14 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. https://unfccc.int/ﬁles/essential_background/background_publications_htmlpdf/application/pdf/conveng.pdf 15 UNFCCC. What is the Kyoto Protocol? https://unfccc.int/kyoto_protocol 16 UNFCCC. Paris Agreement - Status of Ratiﬁcation. https://unfccc.int/process/the -paris-agreement/status-of-ratiﬂcation

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 81

California Policy and Regulatory Context
California remains a global leader in the effort to reduce GHG emissions and combat climate change through its mitigation and adaptation strategies. With the passage of Assembly Bill (AB) 32 in 2006, California became the ﬁrst state in the United States to mandate GHG emission reductions across its enti re economy. To support AB 32, California has enacted legislation, regulations, and executive orders (EO) that put it on course to achieve robust emission reductions and address the impacts of a changing clima te. The following is a summary of executive and legislative actions most relevant to the CAP.

2002 Senate Bill 1078
In 2002, SB 1078 established the California Renewables Portfolio Standards (RPS) Program , accelerated in 2006 by SB 107, requiring 20 percent of retail electricity sales to be composed of renewable energy sources by 2010. EO S -14-08 was signed in 2008 to further streamline California's renewable energy project approval process and increase the State's RPS to the most aggressive in the nation at 33 percent renewable power by 2020.

2002 Assembly Bill 1493
In 2002, AB 1493, also known as the Pavley Regulations, directed the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to establish regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles to the maximum and most cost -effective extent feasible. CARB approved the ﬁ rst set of regulations to reduce GHG emissions from passenger vehicles in 2004, initially taking effect with the 2009 model year.

2005 Executive Order S-3-05
Executive Order (EO) S -3-05 was signed in 2005, establishing Statewide GHG emissions reduction targets for 2020 and 2050. The EO calls for reducing GHG emissions in California to 2000 levels by 2010, 1990 levels by 2020, and 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. The 2050 emission reduction target would put the State’s emissions in line with the worldwide reductions needed to reach long -term climate stabilization as concluded by the IPCC 2007 Fourth Assessment Report.

2006 Assembly Bill 32
California’s major initiative for reducing GHG emissions is outlined in AB 32, the “California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006,” which was signed into law in 2006. AB 32 codiﬁes the Statewide goal of reducing GHG emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 . It requires the California

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 82
Resource Board (CARB) to prepare a Scoping Plan that outlines the main State strategies for reducing GHG emissions to meet the 2020 deadline. In addition, AB 32 requires CARB to adopt regulations to require reporting and veriﬁcation of Statewide GHG emissions.

Based on this guidance, CARB approved a 1990 Statewide GHG baseline and 2020 emissions limit of 427 million metric tons of CO2 equivalent (MMT CO2e). CARB approved the Scoping Plan on December 11, 2008. It included measures to address GHG emission reduction strategies related to energy efﬁciency, water use, and recycling and solid waste, among other measures. Many of the GHG reduction measures included in the Scoping Plan (e.g., Low Carbon Fuel Standard, A dvanced Clean Car standards
13F
17, and Cap -and-Trade) have been
adopted since approval of the Scoping Plan.

In May 2014, CARB approved the ﬁrst update to the AB 32 Scoping Plan. The 2014 Scoping Plan update deﬁned CARB’s climate change priorities for the next ﬁve years and set the groundwork to reach post-2020 Statewide goals. The update highlighted California’s progress toward meeting the “ near-term” 2020 GHG emission reduction goals deﬁned in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluated how to align the State’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other State policy priorities, including those for water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use (CARB 2014).

2007 Executive Order S-1-07
Also known as the Low Carbon Fuel Standard, EO S -1-07, issued in 2007, established a Statewide goal that requires transportation fuel providers to reduce the carbon intensity of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10 percent by 2020. EO S-1-07 was readopted and amended in 2015 to require a 20 percent reduction in carbon intensity by 2030, the most stringent requirement in the nation. The new requirement aligns with California’s overall 2030 target of reducing climate changing emissions 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030, which was set by Senate Bill 32 and signed by the governor in 2016.

2007 Senate Bill 97
Signed in August 2007, SB 97 acknowledges that climate change is an environmental issue that requires analysis in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) documents. In March 2010, the California Natural Resources Agency adopted amendments to the State CEQA Guidelines

17 On September 19, 2019, the National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Agency (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is sued a ﬁnal action entitled the One National Program on Federal Preemption of State Fuel Economy Standards Rule. This action ﬁna lizes Part I of the Safer, Affordable, Fuel-Efﬁcient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. This rule states that federal law preempts State and local tailpipe greenhouse gas (GHG) emis sions standards as well as zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates. The SAFE Rule withdraws the Clean Air Act waiver it granted to Cal ifornia in January 2013 as it relates to California’s GHG and zero emission vehicle programs.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 83
for the feasible mitigation of GHG emissions or the effects of GHG emissions. The adopted guidelines give lead agencies the discretion to set quantitative or qualitative thresholds for assessing and mitigating GHG and climate change impacts.

2008 Senate Bill 375
SB 375, signed in August 2008, enhances the State’s ability to reach AB 32 goals by directing CARB to develop regional GHG emission reduction targets to be achieved from passenger vehicles by 2020 and 2035. In addition, SB 375 directs each of the State’s 1 8 major Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs), including the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC), to prepare a “sustainable communities strategy” (SCS) that contains a growth strategy to meet these emission targets for inclusion in the MPO’s Regional Transportation Plan (RTP).

On March 22, 2018, CARB adopted updated regional targets for reducing GHG emissions from 2005 levels by 2020 and 2035.

2009 California Green Building Code
The California Green Building Standards Code (CALGreen) is Part 11 of the California Building Standards Code or Title 24 and is the ﬁrst Statewide “green” building code in the nation.

CALGreen aims to improve public health, safety, and general welfare by enhancing the design and construction of buildings. Enhancements include reduced negative impact designs, positive environmental impact designs, and encourag ing sustainable construction practices.

The ﬁrst CALGreen Code was adopted in 2009 and updated in 20 13, 2016, and 2019. The CALGreen Code will have subsequent and continually more stringent updates every three years.

2009 Senate Bill X7-7
In 2009, SB X7 -7, also known as the Water Conservation Act, was signed, requiring all water suppliers to increase water use efﬁciency. This legislation aims to reduce per capita urban water use by 20 percent by 2020.

2011 Senate Bill 2X
In 2011, SB 2X was signed, requiring California energy providers to buy (or generate) 33 percent of their electricity from renewable energy sources by 2020.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 84
2012 Assembly Bill 341
AB 341 directed the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) to develop and adopt regulations for mandatory commercial recycling. As of July 2012, businesses are required to recycle, and jurisdictions must implement a program that includes education, outreach, and monitoring. AB 341 also set a Statewide goal of 75 percent waste diversion by 2020.

2014 Assembly Bill 32 Scoping Plan Update
I n 2 0 1 4 , C A R B a p p r o v e d t h e ﬁ r s t u p d a t e t o t h e S c o p i n g P l a n . T h i s u p d a t e d e ﬁ n e s C A R B ’ s climate change priorities and sets the groundwork to reach the post -2020 targets outlined in EO S -3-05. The update highlights California ’s progress toward meeting the 2020 GHG emissions reduction target, deﬁned in the original Scoping Plan. It also evaluates how to align California’s longer-term GHG reduction strategies with other Statewide policy priorities, such as water, waste, natural resources, clean energy, transportation, and land use.

2014 Assembly Bill 1826
AB 1826 was signed in 2014 to increase the recycling of organic material. GHG emissions produced by decomposing these materials in landﬁlls were identiﬁed as a signiﬁcant source of emissions contributing to climate change. Therefore, reducing organic waste and increasing composting and mulching are goals set out by the AB 32 Scoping Plan. AB 1826 requires jurisdictions to establish organic waste recycling programs by 2016 and phases in mandatory commercial organic waste recycling over time.

2015 Senate Bill 350
SB 350, the Clean Energy and Pollution Reduction Act of 2015, has two objectives: to increase the procurement of electricity from renewable sources from 33 percent to 50 percent by 2030 and to double the energy efﬁciency of electricity and natural gas end users through energy efﬁciency and conservation.

In 2015, EO B -30-15 was signed, establishing an interim GHG emissions reduction target to reduce emissions to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030. The EO also calls for another update to the CARB Scoping Plan.

2016 Senate Bill 32
On September 8, 2016, the governor signed SB 32 into law, extending AB 32 by requiring the State to further reduce GHGs to 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2030 (the other provisions of

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 85
AB 32 remain unchanged). The bill charges CARB to adopt the regulation so that the maximum technologically feasible emissions reductions are achieved in the most cost-effective way.

2016 Senate Bill 1383
Adopted in September 2016, SB 1383 requires CARB to approve and begin implementing a comprehensive strategy to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants. The bill requires the strategy to achieve the following reduction targets by 2030:
• Methane – 40 percent below 2013 levels
• Hydroﬂuorocarbons – 40 percent below 2013 levels
• Anthropogenic black carbon – 50 percent below 2013 levels

SB 1383 also requires the CalRecycle, in consultation with the CARB, to adopt regulations that achieve speciﬁed targets for reducing organic waste in landﬁlls. The bill further requires 20% of edible food disposed of at the time to be recovered by 2025.

2017 Scoping Plan Update
On December 14, 2017, CARB adopted the 2017 Scoping Plan, which provides a framework for achieving the 2030 goal set by SB 32. The 2017 Scoping Plan relies on continuing and expanding existing policies and regulations, such as the Cap- and-Trade Program, and implementing recently adopted policies, such as SB 350 and SB 1383.

The 2017 Scoping Plan also emphasizes innovation, adoption of existing technology, and strategic investment to support its strategies. As with the 2014 Scoping Plan Update, the 2017 Scoping Plan does not provide project -level land-use development thresholds . Instead, it recommends that local governments adopt policies and locally appropriate quantitative thresholds consistent with Statewide per capita goals of six metric tons (MT) CO2e by 2030 and two MT CO2e by 2050 (CARB 2017). As stated in the 2017 Scoping Plan, these goals may be appropriate for plan-level analyses (city, county, subregional, or regional level) but not for speciﬁc individual projects because they include all emissions sectors in the State.

2018 Senate Bill 100
Adopted on September 10, 2018, SB 100 supports the reduction of GHG emissions from the electricity sector by accelerating the State’s Renewables Portfolio Standard Program, which was last updated by SB 350 in 2015. SB 100 requires electricity providers to increase procurement from eligible renewable energy resources to 33 percent of total retail sales by 2020, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 86
Also, on September 10, 2018, the governor issued Executive Order B -55-18, establishing a new Statewide goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045 and maintaining net negative emissions afterward. This goal is in addition to the existing Statewide GHG reduction targets established by SB 375, SB 32, SB 1383, and SB 100.

2022 Assembly Bill 1279
In 2022, California passed AB 1279, which mandates the state to reach "net zero greenhouse gas emissions" at the earliest possible time, with a deadline of no later than 2045. Following this, the state must attain and sustain net negative GHG emissions. It also requires that statewide anthropogenic GHG emissions be reduced to at least 85% below 1990 levels.

State-Level Programs
In addition to State regulations that determine GHG Reduction Targets, the following programs assist Cities in meeting their climate goals. These programs also impact the Adjusted Emissions Reduction Target (see Section 4: GHG Emissions Inventory).

California Advanced Clean Cars Program
In 2012, CARB adopted a set of regulations to control passenger vehicle emissions called Advanced Clean Cars. The program was developed in coordination with the U.S. EPA and National Highway Trafﬁc Safety Administration (NHTSA) and combines the control of smog- causing pollutants and GHG emissions into a single coordinated package of r egulations. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/advanced-clean-cars-program

California Low Carbon Fuel Standard Program
The Low Carbon Fuel Standard (LCFS) is designed to encourage the use and production of low-carbon fuels, thereby reducing GHG emissions. Currently, the LCFS calls for a 20 percent decline in the carbon intensity of diesel fuels below 2010 levels by 2030. https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/low-carbon-fuel-standard

California Renewable Portfolio Standard
The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), originally established in 2002, required 20 percent of electricity retail sales to be served by renewable sources by 2017. The program was accelerated in 2015 with SB 350, which mandated a 50 percent RPS by 2030. SB 100, enacted in 2018, accelerated the program further, establishing renewable energy targets of 50 percent by 2026, 60 percent by 2030, and 100 percent by 2045. https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/rps

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 87
California Long-Term Energy Efﬁciency Strategic Plan
Published in 2008 and updated in 2011, the California Long Term Energy Efﬁciency Strategic Plan outlines goals and strategies for key market sectors (i.e., commercial, residential, industrial, and agricultural) and crosscutting initiatives (e.g., heating, ventilation, and air conditioning, codes and standards, research, and technology). While the Plan has not been updated since 2011, it is still referenced in numerous State documents and reports. The plan embraces four speciﬁc programmatic goals, includin g the Big Bold Energy Efﬁciency Strategies. These goals are:

• All new residential construction in California will be zero net energy by 2020. • All new commercial construction in California will be zero net energy by 2030. • The heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) industry will be re-shaped to deliver maximum performance in HVAC systems.
• All eligible low-income customers will be able to participate in the LIEE program and provided all cost-effective energy efﬁciency measures in their residences by 2020.

More information on California’s zero net energy goals can be found online at:
https://www.cpuc.ca.gov/ZNE

Local Policy
2019 San Mateo County Climate Emergency
In September 2019, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution declaring a climate emergency in San Mateo County to highlight the increasingly urgent need for action to address the climate crisis. The County of San Mateo joined over 1,000 national, international, and local jurisdictions with similar declarations. The resolution calls for the County to create climate action plans (CAP s) for its government operations and unincorporated community to achieve carbon neutrality in advance of the State of California’s 2045 goal, and coordinate with the cities and other local partners to address the climate crisis.

2022 California Green Building Code (CALGreen)
Title 24 of the California Building Standards Code includes CALGreen as Part 11 of its 13-part code. In 2022, Foster City adopted the most current CalGreen update, establishing baseline building construction standards. Since 2016, CalGreen has been applied to all new buildings, as well as changes or additions that expand the size of residential buildings and additions to nonresidential buildings. The goal of CalGreen is to reduce environmental impacts by

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 88
enforcing speciﬁc standards throughout a building's lifecycle. It promotes eco- friendly building practices in several key areas:

1) Planning and Design
2) Energy Efﬁciency
3) Water Efﬁciency and Conservation
4) Material Conservation and Resource Efﬁciency
5) Environmental Quality

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 89
Appendix B – Glossary of Abbreviations

AB 32 Assembly Bill 32, The California Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006 BAAQMD Bay Area Air Quality Management District
CARB California Air Resources Board
CAP Climate action plan
CEC California Energy Commission
CEQA California Environmental Quality Act
CO2 Carbon dioxide
CO2e Carbon dioxide equivalent
CPUC California Public Utilities Commission
EV Electric vehicle
GHG Greenhouse gas
ICLEI Local Governments for Sustainability
IPCC Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
KPI Key performance indicator
kWh kilowatt hour
MT Metric ton
MMT Million metric tons
PCE Peninsula Clean Energy
PG&E Paciﬁc Gas and Electric Company
RPS Renewable portfolio standard
TOD Transit-oriented development
U.S. EPA United States Environmental Protection Agency
VMT Vehicle miles traveled
WRI World Resources Institute
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 90
Appendix C – Community Engagement
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 88
The Foster City Climate Action Plan
(CAP) development began in
September 2022. Community
engagement was a critical component
of CAP development, steering the
priorities, goals and strategies from
the beginning. Over the course of one
year (September 2022 – September
2023) the Foster City CAP project
team conducted outreach and
engagement to understand
community priorities and concerns.

In September 2022, the project team began engagement planning by developing a Community Engagement Plan. The Community Engagement Plan outlined objectives, key audiences, Foster City demographics, and a strategic framework and strategies for engaging and hearing from Foster City communities.

The Community Engagement Plan identified the following key goals:
• Reflect community perspectives, priorities, and values for a community- oriented plan that is representative of the geographically rich and diverse communities of Foster City.
• Educate, empower, and energize the Foster City communities to cultivate a shared understanding around climate change and inspire action. • Create a framework for community action that clearly outlines how Foster City residents and businesses can take ownership in the CAP. • Strengthen City relationships with communities and partners to facilitate and coordinate opportunities to collaborate and meet shared priorities.

Additionally, the project team identified community touchpoints and engagement activities, developed a timeline, crafted key messages, and created a style guide and graphics, refreshed the project webpage, and developed additional materials to facilitate engagement.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 89
The Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) played a critical role in planning for and conducting outreach to ensure the CAP aligned with and supported Foster City community vision.

The CSAC serves in an advisory
capacity on sustainability issues
facing Foster City regarding
environmental, economic, or social
sustainability. The CSAC is made
up of five Foster City Resident
voting member seats; two Foster
City resident youth voting member
seats; two in-town business voting
member seats, one of which
should be from one of the City’s
major employers and of which
should be from one of the City’s
small businesses; and one in-town non-profit voting member seat.

The CSAC was a trusted messenger and key intermediary to the broader Foster City community throughout the climate planning process and beyond. As members of Foster City communities, CSAC members helped to facilitate critical connections and collect critical feedback.

All CSAC members participated in facilitation trainings to serve as discussion leaders during the community workshops. Additionally, CSAC members planned, promoted, and facilitated all focus groups and community conversations.

The CAP project team engaged Foster City communities at three critical points during Plan development. Engagement activities included surveys, workshops, social media and newsletter updates, focus groups, community conversations, and more.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 90
Figure 1. Engagement Plan Timeline

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 91
The CAP project team used many different types of activities and avenues to meaningfully reach Foster City community members and gather their feedback on CAP priorities and strategies.

Figure 2. CAP Engagement by the Numbers

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 92
Two community-wide, online surveys gathered community input on Plan vision, priorities, draft strategies and collect new ideas. Community feedback collected through the surveys helped to refine the Plan during development, understand levels of community support and revise strategies. Both surveys launched in coordination with the Community Meetings, published on the project webpage and promoted through City social media and newsletters.
• Survey 1: Build awareness and understand priorities (December 12, 2022 – January 29, 2023). Survey 1’s intention was to gain a deeper understanding of community’s vision for a sustainable Foster City and top priorities for the CAP.
• Survey 2: Refine and develop strategies (May 11 – July 7,2023). Survey 2 focused on collecting community feedback on draft strategies and actions for the CAP, to understand where there is community support and concern, and to collect new ideas for strategies.

We hosted two online community meetings to share CAP updates and hear directly from Foster City community members. The meetings built on momentum from the online surveys and provided an opportunity for community members to hear directly from the project team, interact with other Foster City community members, and provide real-time feedback on draft Plan elements.
• Community Meeting 1: Build awareness and understand priorities (January 12, 2023). Meeting 1 gathered community priorities and values that directly shaped the CAP development in early planning stages.

Meeting 1 also shared other feedback opportunities for Foster City community members, and gained a deeper understanding of how community envisions a resilient, sustainable, and equitable Foster City. • Community Meeting 2: Refine and develop strategies (March 21, 2023). Community Meeting 2 presented and discussed draft CAP strategies. Participants heard from the project team about strategies being considered, asked questions, stated their priorities and concerns, and brainstormed new strategy ideas.

Focus groups and community conversations ensured that we heard from typically harder to reach, highly impacted residents and communities on CAP strategies and Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 93
actions. We designed the discussion guides to gather feedback on how members of our priority communities envision a sustainable Foster City, what their top priorities are for climate action, what challenges they envision facing regarding climate impacts and taking action, and lastly, what opportunities or new ideas do they have that the City can support.

CSAC members conducted recruitment, outreach, and facilitation of all focus groups and community conversations. Focus groups and community conversations took place over 3 months, from June to August 2023, and were held in-person and virtually.
• Focus groups were structured 1-hour long discussions. CSAC members recruited community participants, selected a location and time, and used a discussion guide to facilitate the discussion. Each focus group discussion included a CSAC notetaker and facilitator. These discussions were primarily focused on Climate Action Planning and Draft CAP strategies. • Community conversations were informal conversations held between CSAC members and Foster City community members at existing events, community gathering spaces, and tabling at events. These conversations were shorter in nature and CSAC members used a community conversations handout to guide the discussion and record notes. These conversations were focused on individual current climate actions, challenges and barriers to making behavioral changes, and if they had more questions about climate action.

We will use an accessible online sharing and public comment platform to collect feedback on the draft CAP from the public and different stakeholder groups.

Lastly, we will host a City Staff Implementation workshop to meet with the staff across departments who will be responsible for directing and ensuring CAP implementation.

Below we’ve outlined key themes, priorities, concerns, and strategy-specific feedback heard directly from Foster City communities throughout the engagement process.

Across all community touchpoints, there was strong consensus from Foster City Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 94
community members that they are energized to take climate action to protect and restore the environment of Foster City.
• The large majority (87%) of respondents in Foster City were satisfied with the quality of life in Foster City and would recommend the city as a place to live. Respondents aged 18-34, Asian respondents, and respondents making between $100K-$300K a year were more satisfied than other analyzed groups.
• Over 85% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s parks and recreational amenities, the overall cleanliness and maintenance, and the overall safety. However, only 31% were satisfied with the availability of jobs, 20% were satisfied with the of public transportation, and 15% were satisfied with the affordable housing situation.
• 84% of respondents had heard of the Levee improvements project and 56% had heard of the initiative to complete bike and pedestrian improvements. Less than half the respondents had heard of other city environmental initiatives. Overall, respondents aged 18-34 were less likely than other groups to be aware of the city’s environmental initiatives. • 59% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. Respondents would most like to see the city prioritize making it easier to walk or bike in the city (46%) and use more clear or renewable energy (41%).
• Over half the respondents across all analyzed demographic groups bring reusable bags to the store and purchase reusable items instead of single- use. Over 20% of respondents would consider installing solar panels, using alternatives to cars, insulating homes, and growing fruit and vegetables despite not many respondents already do so today.
• Foster City residents love the city's picturesque landscape, proximity to the water, vibrant and inclusive community, sustainability initiatives, opportunities for outdoor play and recreation, sense of safety, and community diversity.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 95
• Participants noted that some sustainability challenges facing Foster City include cost barriers to households regarding sustainable living (e.g., purchasing electric vehicles (EVs) and solar panels), ensuring equity in initiatives, limited safe bike and pedestrian paths, aging infrastructure, and inadequate public outreach and education on sustainability topics and actions.
• In the future, participants want to see more accessible and safer bike and pedestrian routes and public transportation; waste reduction; support and financial incentives for EVs, solar panels, and other sustainability initiatives; water conservation and reclamation; a ban on plastics; and green buildings.
• Respondents felt that subsidies were needed in order to help homeowners, multifamily housing, and businesses upgrade their existing infrastructure.
• Respondents want updated building codes, requiring solar panels and other sustainability metrics.
• Respondents are worried about overdevelopment, and want to ensure that green space is preserved, while adopting more drought resistant plants.
• Residents were very interested in creating more bike infrastructure and public transportation options for residents of Foster City. • There was an acknowledgement of the difficulty of upgrading and adopting technology while owning within a homeowners association. • Some respondents suggested taxing bad behaviors, such as creating too much waste, recycling improperly or using too much electricity. • Respondents hoped to increase educational awareness around climate change, recycling, and waste reduction.
• Make certain data available about waste rates, electricity use, and water use to encourage more civic responsibility among residents.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 96
• The most pressing concerns for Foster for workshop attendees were ecosystem health, public health, and conservation, placing emphasis on natural systems, community and community health.
• Foster City residents appreciate community action, civic responsibility and individual action, but also feel that larger companies should play a bigger role in creating climate solutions.
• Building codes need to encourage innovation, while also providing incentives to ensure that businesses and residents are motivated to take action and make it easy to install solar panels, electric appliances, and other energy-efficient upgrades and retrofits that reduce emissions. • Workshop attendees want to see a more walkable, less car dependent Foster City, that encourages safe streets and pedestrian and biking pathways.

Top actions Foster City community members are already taking:
• Recycling & composting
• Taking public transportation or walking
• Electric vehicles
• Water and energy conservation
• Limiting single use plastic
• Extending the life of clothing
Anticipated challenges:
• Cost
• Time constraints & convenience
• Individual behavior change & impact
• Apathy & attitudes
• Accessibility
• Corporate polluters & political challenges
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 97
New ideas:
• Micro-mobility options (i.e. scooter and bike-share)
• Electrification: grid, buses, vehicles
• Financial incentives and disincentives
• Fix-it Fairs
Foster City community members like to know more about:
• What is Foster City doing?
• How to electric vehicles help?
• What can I do?
• Greenhouse gasses
• Alternative energy sources
Community members would also like to see:
• Community building & collaborations
• City engagement
• Shade from solar panels
• Educational & communications campaigns
In survey 1, our first community touchpoint, we learned that 59% of respondents were satisfied with Foster City’s environmental efforts to date.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 98
Figure 3. Satisfaction with Foster City's Environmental Efforts

Respondents also shared in survey 1 what are the top sustainability changes they’d like to see, top sustainability actions they take today, and top actions they’d consider taking in the future.

Figure 4. Survey 1 Top Sustainable Behaviors and Priorities

Through survey 2, we gained a better understanding of how Foster City community members would like their top sustainability priorities implemented through different type of action mechanisms through the CAP. This feedback was critical during action development to know what types of actions community would most support and be more likely to participate in, as well as provides great insight for what community would support for future policy decisions for the City.

Satisfied, 59%
Neutral, 34%
Unsatisfied, 6%

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 99
Figure 5. Level of Support for Types of Climate Action

We also learned in survey 2 and workshop 2 what are top barriers for Foster City community members to take climate action. Participants shared that their top barriers included:
• Cost or Resources (51.4%) – there are other competing economic demands in my life that are more important to me and my family • Outside forces (27.4%) - I feel that the changes need to be at larger scale than what I can do as an individual- nothing I do will make any difference • Time commitment (26.9%) - I do not have enough time to think about climate change.

However, the lowest ranking barrier was level of care and interest (14.4%), which illustrates that most people are care and are excited to take climate action. We hope to leverage Foster City’s excitement around climate action into implementation of the CAP.

In summary, the Foster City Climate Action Plan (CAP) development process, which began in September 2022, has been a testament to the power of community engagement in shaping effective environmental policy. The CAP team's comprehensive approach, involving a Community Engagement Plan, Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC) involvement, and a variety of engagement Financial or other
incentives
Mandates or
regulations
Education or logistical
support
Local advocacy to
promote climate action
at the state and federal
level

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%
Do not support Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 100
activities, has successfully captured the diverse perspectives and priorities of the Foster City community. Through surveys, community meetings, and focus groups, the project team gained invaluable insights into residents' satisfaction with their quality of life, their environmental concerns, and their aspirations for a more sustainable and equitable city.

The feedback collected has been instrumental
in identifying key areas of focus, such as the
need for improved public transportation and
sustainable living solutions. It has also
underscored the community's enthusiasm for
taking proactive climate action, ranging from
everyday practices like recycling and
composting to broader initiatives like
advocating for updated building codes and
green infrastructure.

The CAP development process has not only fostered a deeper understanding of community needs and aspirations but has also laid the groundwork for meaningful, actionable strategies. The engagement journey reflects Foster City's commitment to a collaborative, inclusive approach in tackling climate change challenges. As the CAP moves into its implementation phase, the solid foundation of community input will be crucial in ensuring its success and sustainability, truly embodying the spirit of collective action for a better future.

Community Survey and Environmental
Sustainability
Foster City, CA
December 2022 - January 2023
Agenda Item 5.1.1.

The large majority (87%) of respondents in Foster City were satisfied with the quality of life in Foster City and would recommend the city as a place to live. Respondents aged 18-34, Asian respondents, and respondents making between $100K-$300K a year were more satisfied than other analyzed groups.

Over 85% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s parks and recreational amenities, the overall cleanliness and maintenance, and the overall safety. However, only 31% were satisfied with the availability of jobs, 20% were satisfied with the of public transportation, and 15% were satisfied with the affordable housing situation. 84% of respondents had heard of the Levee improvements project and 56% had heard of the initiative to complete bike and pedestrian improvements. Less than half the respondents had heard of other city environmental initiatives.

Overall, respondents aged 18-34 were less likely than other groups to be aware of the city’s environmental initiatives. 59% of respondents were satisfied with the city’s efforts to become more environmentally sustainable. Respondents would most like to see the city prioritize making it easier to walk or bike in the city (46%) and use more clear or renewable energy (41%).

Executive Summary
Over half the respondents across all analyzed demographic groups bring reusable bags to the store and purchase reusable items instead of single-use. Over 20% of respondents would consider installing solar panels, using alternatives to cars, insulating homes, and growing fruit and vegetables despite not many respondents already do so today.

Methodology
553 sample survey
of Foster City
adults, 18+
Survey was
conducted in
English, Spanish,
Hindi, and Chinese
Respondents
recruited
online and through
city channels
Fielded
December 12th,
2022– January 29th,
2023
Summary – Quality of life
Highest rated area of life Lowest rated areas of life
Quality of parks
and recreational
amenities
(88% satisfied)
Availability of
jobs that pay a
living wage
(31% satisfied)
Availability of
affordable
housing
(15% satisfied)
Ease of getting
around by public
transportation
(20% satisfied)
Overall quality of life in Foster City
87% 9% 5%
Exe llent Fai r Poor
Overall
cleanliness and
maintenance
(87% satisfied)
Sense of overall
safety
(86% satisfied)

Satisfaction with community characteristics : Respondents were overall satisfied with most areas of life in Foster City, with 11 out of the 15 areas receiving a positive rating from half or more of respondents. Respondents were overall less satisfied with the availability of jobs that pay a living wage, with the ease of getting around by public transportation, and with the availability of affordable housing. Overall, age, race, and income groups did not differ greatly when it came to how they rated all the services except for of education and are/cultural events.

Satisfaction with community characteristics:
88%
87%
86%
82%
81%
77%
75%
73%
60%
52%
50%
48%
31%
20%
15%
8%
10%
8%
9%
15%
16%
20%
20%
27%
34%
28%
33%
41%
30%
29%
4%
3%
6%
9%
4%
7%
5%
7%
13%
14%
22%
19%
28%
51%
56%
Qu ality of parks and recreat ional amenities
Overall clean lin ess an d maintenan ce
Sen se of o ver all s afety
Acc ep tan ce of resid en ts of all backgro und s
Overall qu ality o f services p rovided by Fo ster City Qu ality of wat er an d sewer services
Qu ality of waste and recycling services
Acc es s to q ualit y educatio n
Sen se of co mmunity amo ng resid en ts
Ab ility of residen ts to give inpu t to th e Fo ster C ity government Availabilit y of a variety of art and cu lt ural even ts Acc es s to q ualit y health c are s ervices
Availabilit y of job s t hat pay a living wage
Ea se o f ge tting aro und by public transpo rta tion
Availabilit y of afford ab le hou sing
Exe llent Fai r Poor
Top sustainability changes
they’d like to see
Make it safer and easier
to walk and bike in t he
city
(46%)
Increase the use of clean
and sustainable energy
(41%)
Top sustainability actions they
take today
Bringing reusable bags
to the store (78%)
Purchasing and using
more reusable -use items
rather than single -use
items
(53%)
Top sustainability actions they’d
consider taking
Installing solar panels or
solar thermal heating to
my home
(28%)
Using more alternatives to
cars (21%)
Summary – Environmental Sustainability
Satisfaction with Foster City’s environmental sustainability efforts 59% 34% 6%
Satis fied Neu tral Un s atis fied

Awareness of initiatives: Only 8% of respondents weren’t aware of any of the initiatives. 84% of respondents had heard of the Levee Improvements Project, and just over 50% had also heard of the bike and pedestrian improvements. Over a third of respondents had heard of the EV charging station initiative and the addition of solar panels. Respondents aged 18-34 overall were less aware of the initiatives compared to the other analyzed groups.

Question: Which, if any, of Foster City’s environmental sustainability initiatives have you heard of prior to this survey? 84%
56%
45%
36%
23%
16%
16%
14%
17%
8%
Le ve e I mprove ments Project to address se a l evel rise Complet ed th e Bike and Pedestrian Impr ovements alon g E. Hi llsd ale and Beach Park Boule vards to create ne w bike lane s
Bui l t EV Chargi ng Stati on a t the Li brary Park ing Lot - the f irst on City pro per ty
Added Solar p an els t o t he Library/Co mmunity Center parking lot Transitioned to low water using landscape in the parks
Cr eated a d edi cated citi zen c ommit tee centered ar ound Sustainability ( Foster City's Citizen Sustainability Advisory… Ensured City facilities use 100% renewable electricity ( through Peninsula C lean En er gy 's ECO100 pro duct)
Adop ted t he most current Green Bu ilding st and ards for n ew const ructi on an d remod els
I' ve heard F oste r Ci ty has some e nvir onm ental i niti at ive s but I haven't heard of specific ones
I hadn' t he ar d of any of F oster City 's e nvir onm ental i niti at ive s prior to this sur vey
Prioritization of future initiatives: Respondents would most like to see the city make it easier to walk and bike and increase the use of clean and renewable energy. These two topics were one of the top three priorities respondents across all analyzed demographicgroups wanted to see.

Question: What are the top 3 environmentally sustainable changes you would like to see in Foster City in the next 5 to 10 years?
46%
41%
32%
32%
28%
27%
27%
24%
10%
Mak e it saf er and ea sie r to w alk and bike in the city In cre ase the use of cl ean and re new able e ner gy Pr eserve and revit alize n atu ral ar eas
Plan t mor e tr ees
Reduc e plasti c pollutio n
Suppo rt growing healthy food locally
Con tinue to use water wi sely
Con tinue to minimize the amount o f waste sent to
the landfill
Bri ng more hig h- qua li ty g re en j obs (ene rg y
ef ficiency, solar, sustainable goods, etc )

Current actions taken: Over half the respondents across all analyzed demographic groups bring reusable bags to the store and purchase reusable items instead of single-use. Over a third of respondents also reduce their consumption of meat. Respondents aged 18-34 and respondents making under $100K were overall taking less actions to be more environmentally sustainable compared to other analyzed groups.

Question: Which, if any, of the following are you currently doing in order to be more environmentally sustainable?
78%
53%
36%
29%
28%
28%
26%
17%
15%
13%
3%
Bri ngi ng reusabl e bag s to the store/ reduce the am ount of plastic while shopping
Pur chasing and using mor e reusable-use i tems rather than single-use items
Reduc ing consumptio n of meat
Compost ing my own food waste
Using more alternatives to cars (public transpo rtation, bikin g, walking)
In stal lin g l ow-flow and w at er e ffi cie nt fixtu res and appliances
Adding insulation to my home, including en ergy efficient windows and doors
Line drying my clothes
Growing my own f ruits and vege table s in a backyard garden In stal lin g sol ar p ane ls or sol ar the rm al heatin g to m y hom e None of the above

Actions respondents are willing to take: Over 20% of respondents would consider installing solar panels, using alternatives to cars, insulating homes, and growing fruit and vegetables despite not many respondents already do so today. However, while many respondents already use reusable bags and reusable items, and a fair amount reduce meat consumption or composted their own food, very few respondents who aren’t already doing these would consider doing them.

Question: Which, if any, of the following are you currently doing / would you consider doing in order to be more environmentally sustainable?
78%
53%
36%
29%
28%
28%
26%
17%
15%
13%
9%
16%
8%
11%
21%
19%
20%
15%
20%
28%
Bringing reusable bags to the store/reduce
the amount of plastic while sh oppin g
Purchasing and using more reusable-use
items r ather than single-use items
Reducing consumption of meat
Comp osting my own food waste
Us in g more a ltern atives to ca rs (pu bl ic
transportation, biking, walkin g)
Installing low -flow and water efficient
fi xtures a nd appl iances
Ad ding ins ulation to my ho me, in cludin g
energy efficient windows a nd doors
Line dryi ng my clothes
Growing my own f ruits and veg etables in a
backyard garden
Installing solar panels or solar the rmal
heating to my h ome
Cur renlty d oing Wou ld consi der doing

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 111
The survey gathered feedback on proposed CAP strategies and to collect new ideas from you. Community feedback guided CAP priorities and helped prioritize the solutions the City will take to lessen the impacts of and adapt to climate change.

The survey was open for 8 weeks (May 11 – July 7, 2023) , and received a total of 234 responses. The survey was published online through SurveyMonkey and promoted through City social media accounts and newsletters, on the project website, CSAC outreach, and in print.
• Gather feedback from Foster City community members to guide CAP development for priorities and vision
• Understand where the community is energized to take climate action • Collect new ideas for actions and opportunities for the CAP The following key themes, priorities, and concerns were collected through this survey:
• Respondents felt that subsidies were needed in order to help homeowners, multifamily housing, and businesses upgrade their existing infrastructure. • Respondents want updated building codes, requiring solar panels and other sustainability metrics.
• Respondents are worried about overdevelopment, and want to ensure that green space is preserved, while adopting more drought resistant plants. • Residents were very interested in creating more bike infrastructure and public transportation options for residents of Foster City.
• There was an acknowledgement of the difficulty of upgrading and adopting technology while owning within a homeowners association. • Some respondents suggested taxing bad behaviors, such as creating too much waste, recycling improperly or using too much electricity.

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 112
• Respondents hoped to increase educational awareness around climate change, recycling, and waste reduction.
• Make certain data available about waste rates, electricity use, and water use to encourage more civic responsibility among residents.

This section provides a detailed summary of each survey question and corresponding responses. Questions 1 – 2 asked for contact information of survey respondents and are not included in this summary.

3. Do you live or work in Foster City?
234 answered, 0 skipped
• More than half of survey respondents live in Foster City (65.4%) followed by those who live and work in Foster City (20.5%).
• Other submissions included:
• Family lives in Foster City
• Previously lived in Foster City or concerned neighboring resident • Uses goods and services provided in Foster City

I live in Foster
City, 65.4%
I work in Foster
City, 3.9%
Both, I live
and work in
Foster City,

20.5%
I do not live or
work in Foster
City, 5.6%
Other, 4.7%
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 113

4. How concerned are you about the following consequences of climate change? Please indicate your level of concern for each. 233 answered, 1 skipped
• Participants were most concerned about the negative effects of climate change on future generations (68.5%) as well as water and air pollution (64.7%). • Many were not concerned with impacts to seniors and vulnerable populations (11.2%) as well as Foster City’s economic vitality (10.3%).

5. Please rank your level of support for the following types of climate action. 232 answered, 2 skipped
• The greatest support for climate action was for educational and logistical (61.2%) and financial or other incentives (52.8%).

10.3%

8.6%

9.1%

11.2%

7.7%

5.6%

6.5%

15.5%

14.2%

11.3%

11.6%

9.9%

6.9%

7.3%

38.8%

32.6%

29.4%

23.6%

28.3%

22.8%

17.7%

35.3%

44.6%

50.2%

53.7%

54.1%

64.7%

68.5%
0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%
Threats to the economic vitality of the Foster City community Threats to public infrastructure (e.g. roads, buildings) Threats to public health
Impacts to seniors and vulnerable populations
Threats to urban trees, landscapes, and open space
Pollution of water and air
Impaired well-being of future generations
Not concerned Neutral Somewhat concerned Very concerned Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 114
• Participants were least supportive of mandates and regulations (21.7%).

6. Personally, what are some barriers that might prevent you from taking climate action? Select all that apply.
• Time commitment - I do not have enough time to think about climate change. • Cost or Resources - I have other competing economic demands in my life that are more important to me and my family
• Realizing benefits - I don’t plan to live in my current home long enough to recover the costs of making changes to my home to reduce its carbon footprint. OR I live in an apartment and cannot make the types of changes that are needed to reduce my carbon footprint.
• Level of care and interest - I do not think there is enough of a crisis that I personally need to do anything to reduce the risks of climate change. • Outside forces - I feel that the changes need to be at larger scale than what I can do as an individual- nothing I do will make any difference 208 answered, 26 skipped
• More than half of participants name costs and resources as a barrier to taking climate action (51.4%). And only 14.4% of participants name lack of interest as a barrier for taking action.
• Other submissions included:
• Distrust in government’s ability to make effective decisions

10.4%

21.7%

6.5%

12.2%9.5%

16.1% 13.8% 13.0%

27.3% 24.8%

18.5%

27.4%

52.8%

37.4%

61.2%

47.4%
Financial or other
incentives
Mandates or regulations Education or logistical
support
Local advocacy to promote
climate action at the state
and federal level

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%

70.00%
Do not support Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 115
• Climate change is not real
• Other issues take priority
Questions 7 and 8 provided participants the option to review all draft strategies for all focus areas or self-select which focus areas strategies they were most interested in leaving feedback for. Question 8 only appeared for those who selected to review specific focus areas in Question 7.

7. How would you like to review and provide feedback on the strategies and actions?
219 answered, 15 skipped
Count
I would like to review and comment the strategies and actions for ALL focus areas (Buildings & Energy, Consumption & Disposal, Community Resiliency, Natural Systems, Mobility & Transportation). 134
I would like to ONLY review and comment on the strategies and actions for SPECIFIC focus areas. 85

26.9%

51.4%

22.1%

14.4%

27.4%

24.0%
Time
commitment
Cost or
Resources
Realizing benefits Level of care and
interest
Outside forces Other (please
specify)

0.00%

10.00%

20.00%

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

60.00%
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 116

8. Please indicate for which focus areas you would like to review the draft strategies. Check all that apply.
76 answered, 158 skipped
• Consumption and disposal, natural systems, and mobility and transportation were the strategies participants are most interested in reviewing.

Count
Consumption & Disposal 43
Natural Systems 39
Mobility & Transportation 35
Community Resilience 31
Buildings & Energy 27

BUILDINGS & ENERGY

9. Please indicate your level of support for each of the draft Buildings & Energy Strategies below:
144 answered, 90 skipped
• Participants were most supportive of the City offering incentives for solar panels and EV batteries (61.5%).
• Interestingly the most opposition for a strategy is also incentives for solar panels and EV batteries (7%).

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 117

10. Do you have any new ideas for strategies to reduce buildings and energy emissions in Foster City?
51 answered, 183 skipped
Top themes from submissions to this open response question included:
• Retrofitting old and inefficient buildings, private and public • Increase in EV charging stations
• Increase use and accessibility of public transportation • Plant more trees
• Make change through policy and taxes

CONSUMPTION AND DISPOSAL

6.3% 6.9% 5.6% 7.0% 3.6%

4.2% 3.5% 5.6% 2.8% 3.6%

12.5% 8.3% 9.0% 11.9% 15.0%

26.4%

23.6% 23.6% 16.8% 21.4%

50.7%

57.6% 56.3% 61.5% 56.4%
Adopt new building
codes that require
new construction and
major remodels to
meet higher energy
efficiency standards
Provide incentives
that make it easier for
homes and offices to
upgrade electric
panels and adopt all-
electric technologies
Demonstrate City
leadership with a new
green building policy
that prioritizes energy
efficiency in new City
buildings
Offer enhanced
incentives for
installing solar panels
and encourage
pairing PV systems
with onsite battery
storage
Adopt a shade tree
program to offer
subsidized shade
trees that reduce the
energy needed to
keep homes cool
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 118

11. Please indicate your level of support for the draft Consumption & Disposal Strategies below:
161 answered, 73 skipped
• Participants showed the most support for enforcing compost and recycling to divert waste ending up in the landfill (64%).
• There was the most opposition to the City committing to zero waste (6.2%).

12. Do you have any new ideas for strategies to reduce consumption and disposal emissions in Foster City?
55 answered, 179 skipped
Top themes from submissions to this open response question included:
• Education was the top suggestion for reducing consumption and disposal. • Respondents mentioned adding more public access to disposal options, including more public recycling and composting.
• Respondents suggested fining or taxing bad behavior or excessive waste.

3.1% 6.2% 3.7%3.1% 1.9% 1.2%

9.3% 9.3% 9.9%

13.7%

19.3%

16.2%

64.0%

56.5% 62.1%
Keep more waste out of the landfill
by heavily promoting and enforcing
recycling and organics recycling
programs
Demonstrate City leadership by
committing to achieve zero waste
(95% waste diversion) across City
operations
Provide education and resources
that encourage homes and
businesses to participate in
composting programs
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 119
• Respondents emphasized repair and reuse over disposal for many goods. • Respondents suggested a plastic ban, such as a plastic bag and serviceware ban.

COMMUNITY RESILIENCE

13. Please indicate your level of support for the draft Community Resilience Strategies below:
148 answered, 86 skipped
• There was the most support for identifying ways to measure progress toward meeting climate goals and sharing those reports with the community (52.7%). • There was the most opposition to incorporating climate, mitigation, resiliency, and equity considerations into the City’s budget (9.5%).

14. Do you have any new ideas for strategies to enhance community resilience to climate change in Foster City?

4.1% 5.4% 5.4% 9.5% 8.2%4.1% 3.4% 4.1%

3.4% 6.8%

23.8% 16.9% 13.5% 10.9%

15.0%

30.6%

27.7%

24.3% 23.8%

22.5%

37.4%

46.6% 52.7% 52.4% 47.6%
Host events where
community
members can learn
about Sustainability,
Climate Action, and
Resiliency
Encourage small
businesses to
participate in the
San Mateo County
Green Business
program
Identify ways to
measure progress
toward meeting
climate goals and
share regular
reports with the
community
Incorporate climate
mitigation,
resiliency, and
equity
considerations into
the City's budgeting
process
Develop an
interdepartmental
Climate Action
Team to manage
plan
implementation and
track progress
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 120
37 answered, 197 skipped
Top themes from submissions to this open response question included:
• Respondents stressed the importance of education and involving students. • Respondents suggested creating climate change committees made up of community members to address issues and enhance visibility. • Respondents emphasized updating building codes, and creating a standard for sustainability among commercial entities.
• Respondents suggested investing in infrastructure and green spaces • Respondents were interested in electrification, and the adoption of electric vehicles.

NATURAL SYSTEMS

15. Please indicate your level of support for the above draft Natural Systems Strategies:
155 answered, 79 skipped
• Participants support providing incentives to retrofitting buildings for water efficiency the most (68.6%).
• There was not much opposition to these strategies but the same strategy to provide incentives had the most opposition (3.3%).

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 121

16. Do you have any new ideas for strategies to strengthen natural systems in Foster City?
43 answered, 199 skipped
Top themes from submissions to this open response question included:
• Respondents were concerned about water conservation, suggesting new measures to lower peoples water use.
• Respondents want synthetic turfs to be replaced with native species, and providing more education on native species.
• Respondents thought more homeowner association education and new codes for replacing lawns would help.
• Respondents suggested working with developers on better standards for development.
• Respondents believed that subsidies and incentives for making landscaping changes would help.

2.6% 2.6% 3.3%2.6% 1.3% 3.3%

12.9% 11.1% 8.5%

23.2%

19.6% 16.3%

58.7%

65.4% 68.6%
Provide education and resources
that encourage more water-
efficient landscaping at homes
and businesses
Continue to promote existing
residential water conservation
rebates and services
Provide incentives to make it
easier to install water efficiency
retrofits in existing buildings
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 122

MOBILITY & TRANSPORTATION

17. Please indicate your level of support for the draft Mobility & Transportation Strategies below:
151 answered, 83 skipped
• There was the most support for expanding EV charging stations in public spaces, multi-family developments, and workplaces (58.4%). • The most opposition was to establishing an electric municipal fleet policy that prioritizes electric vehicle purchases (10.7%).

18. Do you have any new ideas for strategies to reduce transportation emissions and increase mobility in Foster City?
46 answered, 188 skipped
Top themes from submissions to this open response question included:

6.7% 10.7% 4.0% 4.7% 8.7%

4.0% 2.0%

5.3% 2.0%

8.0%

19.3% 13.3% 13.9% 11.4%

16.7%

24.0%

21.3% 23.2%

23.5%

22.7%

46.0% 52.7% 53.6% 58.4%

44.0%
Make it easier for
bike- and car-
sharing companies
to operate in Foster
City
Establish an electric
municipal fleet
policy that
prioritizes electric
vehicles for new
vehicle purchases
Connect parts of
the city not covered
by public transit by
expanding local
shuttle service
within city limits
Expand EV
charging
infrastructure in
public spaces,
multi-family
dwellings, and
workplaces
Build more
infrastructure for
electric bikes and
scooters, such as
dedicated on-street
parking and on-
street corrals
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Strongly oppose Somewhat oppose Neutral Somewhat support Strongly support Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 123
• Adding more bikes and bike infrastructure were the most popular suggestion for respondents.
• Respondents thought that adding more public transit opportunities would help cut down on the use of vehicles.
• Respondents believe the city should rethink traffic patterns, creating more car free areas.
• Respondents believe that alternatives within Foster City are well established, but that there should be more connection with transit outside of the city. • Respondents suggested promoting electric vehicles, and finding ways of changing car habits, like scheduled usage of cars.

The following questions help us understand the profile of survey participants and supports our effort to make this process as comprehensive and inclusive as possible.

These questions are optional.

19. What is your gender?
179 answered, 55 skipped
• Over half of participants self described as female (53%) and around a third self- described as male (37%), with 7% choosing not to disclose this information. • Other Submissions:
• Adult Human Female
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 124

20. Which of the following best represents your racial or ethnic heritage? 176 answered, 58 skipped
• White (41.5%) and Asian (34.7%) ethnicities/races make up over ¾ of participants. Black (1.1%), Native American (1.1%) and Middle Eastern (2.3%) ethnicities/races are the least represented.
• However, 14.2% of participants chose not to disclose this information. • Open response submissions included:
• Race not relevant
• Human Race
• Religious Ethnic Minority
Female, 95Male, 67
Non-binary or
non-
conforming, 0
Genderqueer, 0
I prefer not to say,
13 I prefer to self-
describe (please
specify), 4
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 125
• Nepali

21. In what decade were you born?
174 answered, 60 skipped
• The top two decades represented in the participants are 1980’s (16.7%) and 1970’s (21.3%).
• The decades least represented are the 90’s (6.3%) and 2000’s (5.2%), however

9.2% of participants did not share the decade they were born.

41.5%

1.1%

4.6%

34.7%

1.1% 2.3%

0.0% 0.0%

14.2%

5.1%
White or
Caucasian
Black or
African
American
Latino,
Latina, or
Latinx
Asian or
Asian
American
Native
American,
American
Indian, or
Alaskan
Native
Middle
Eastern,
North
African, or
Arab
American
Native
Hawaiian
or other
Pacific
Islander
Multiracial I prefer
not to say
Other
(please
specify)

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 126

22. What is your approximate average household income?
142 answered, 92 skipped
• Most of the participants make over $200,000 average household income (44.4%). With 11.9% of participants making $74,999 to less that $15,000 average household income.

5.2%

6.3%

16.7%

21.3%

14.4%

10.9%

16.1%

9.2%
After 2000 1990-1999 1980-1989 1970-1979 1960-1969 1950-1959 Before 1950 I prefer no to say

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

3.5%

0.0% 0.0%

4.2% 4.2%

7.8%

19.0%

16.9%

44.4%
Under
$15,000
$15,000 to
$24,999
$25,000 to
$34,999
$35,000 to
$49,999
$50,000 to
$74,999
$75,000 to
$99,999
$100,000 to
$149,999
$150,000 to
$199,999
$200,000
and over

0.00%

5.00%

10.00%

15.00%

20.00%

25.00%

30.00%

35.00%

40.00%

45.00%

50.00%
Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 127

23. Do you rent or own the place where you live?
179 answered, 55 skipped
• Other Submissions:
• Lives with parents
• Lives with kids
• Does not trust electrical grid

Rent, 21.8%
Own, 75.4%
Neither (please
specify), 2.8%

Foster City 2023 Climate Action Plan Page | 91
Appendix D – 2019 Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Inventory

Sector Source GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions Electricity 16,407 6%
Natural Gas 28,335 11%
Electricity 26,164 10%
Natural Gas 16,741 6%
Direct Access Electricity 10,676 4%
Local Roads-Gasoline
Local Roads-Diesel
State Highways-Gasoline
State Highways-Diesel
Off-Road Equipment (Residential) 11,435 4%
Generated Waste All Waste Types 4,144 2%
Waste – Landfill Cover Plant Debris 9 0.00%
Wastewater Wastewater treatment 0 0.0%
TOTAL 265,777 100.0%
Sector Source GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions Electricity 14,489 6%
Natural Gas 28,579 12%
Electricity 28,192 11%
Natural Gas 19,089 8%
Direct Access Electricity 6,216 3%
Stationary Sources Various Fuels 52 0%
Local Roads-Gasoline 48,582 20%
Local Roads-Diesel 4,256 2%
State Highways-Gasoline 75,202 31%
State Highways-Diesel 6,588 3%
Off-Road Equipment (Residential) 11,926 5%
Generated Waste All Waste Types 2,567 1%
Waste – Landfill Cover Plant Debris 67 0%
Wastewater Wastewater treatment 170 0%
Water Embedded Electricity in Water 568 0%
TOTAL 246,542 100.0%
Commercial/Industrial
Residential
Table 1: 2005 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Transportation
56,890
94,976
21%
36%
Table 2: 2010 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Transportation
Sector Source GHG Emissions (MT CO2e) Percent of Total GHG Emissions Electricity 4,075 2%
Natural Gas 24,940 12%
Electricity 4,735 2%
Natural Gas 25,420 12%
Direct Access Electricity 5,747 3%
Stationary Sources Various Fuels 20,738 10%
Local Roads-Gasoline 19,604 10%
Local Roads-Diesel 2,817 1%
State Highways-Gasoline 68,591 33%
State Highways-Diesel 9,855 5%
Off-Road Equipment (Residential) 16,657 8%
Generated Waste All Waste Types 2,234 1%
Waste – Landfill Cover Plant Debris 0 0%
Wastewater Wastewater treatment 536 0%
Water Embedded Electricity in Water 8 0%
TOTAL 205,957 100%
266,983,292
1,944
2011 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 252,065
2012 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 236,865
2013 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 238,698
2014 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 225,057
2015 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 232,913
2016 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 193,537
2017 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 192,660
2018 GHG Inventory Total Emissions
(MT CO2e) 199,309
Table 3: 2019 Community Greenhouse Gas Inventory
Table 4: 2011-2016 Community GHG Inventories
Residential
Commercial/Industrial
Transportation
2019 Annual VMT:
2014 Disposed Waste Emissions (MT CO2e):
2020 2030 2040 2045 2050
207,199 216,424 224,864 229,758 234,861
15% 49% 83% 100% 100%
225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0
-18,711 80,877 179,682 229,758 234,861
-1,541 -44,694 -68,619 -78,185 -94,691
-65,858 -93,665 -109,848 -122,794
-1,541 -110,551 -162,284 -188,033 -217,485
205,659 105,872 62,580 41,725 17,376
-34,551 -41,912 -47,306 -47,615

22.6% 60.2% 76.5% 84% 93%
Yes Yes No No No
-20,252 -29,674 17,398 41,725 17,376
2005 2010 2019
(MTCO2e) (MTCO2e) (MTCO2e)
Annual growth
rate: 2017--
>2020
(MTCO2e)
Annual growth
rate: 2017--
>2030
(MTCO2e) Annual
Growth (MTCO2e) Annual Growth (MTCO2e) Annual Growth (MTCO2e) Residential 44,742 43,068 29,015 0.33% 29,112 0.34% 30,112 0.35% 31,195 0.41% 32,304 0.47% 33,544 Commercial/Industrial 53,581 53,549 56,640 1.45% 57,464 0.90% 62,477 0.77% 66,552 0.74% 68,628 0.72% 70,752 Transportation* 163,301 146,553 117,523 0.26% 117,826 0.26% 120,894 0.26% 124,042 0.26% 125,647 0.26% 127,273 Generated Waste & Wastewater 4,153 2,805 2,770 0.69% 2,789 0.52% 2,932 0.48% 3,065 0.52% 3,170 0.55% 3,283 Water 0 568 8 0.69% 8 0.52% 8 0.48% 9 0.52% 9 0.55% 9
TOTAL 265,777 246,542 205,957 0.12% 207,199 0.33% 216,424 0.59% 224,864 0.73% 229,758 0.88% 234,861 Table 3: Historical Emissions, Emissions Forecast, and Emissions Targets Year Business As Usual Projections
BAU
Projections w/
State
Measures
BAU
Projections w/
State
Measures +
PCE
BAU
Projections w/
State
Measures w/o
Clean
Electricity
Target
Reduction
Path
Projected
Reduction w/
Electrification
Measures only
Projected
Reduction
Path
2020 Target:
15% Below
2005
2030 Target:
49% Below
2005
2040 Target
2045 Target:
100% Below
2005
2050 Target:
100% Below
2005
Historical
Emissions
2019 205,957 205,957 205,957 205,957 205,957 205,957 205,957 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 205,957 2020 207,199 205,659 213,889 205,659 225,910 213,889 205,659 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2021 208,104 201,984 208,346 201,913 214,660 203,491 192,447 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2022 209,012 198,375 202,946 198,235 203,970 193,598 180,084 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2023 209,924 194,830 197,687 194,624 193,812 184,187 168,515 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2024 210,841 191,349 192,563 191,079 184,161 175,233 157,689 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2025 211,761 187,930 187,573 187,598 174,989 166,714 147,559 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2026 212,685 184,572 182,712 184,181 166,275 158,609 138,079 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2027 213,614 181,274 177,976 180,826 157,995 150,898 129,209 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2028 214,546 178,035 173,364 177,533 150,126 143,563 120,908 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2029 215,483 174,854 168,871 174,299 142,650 136,583 113,141 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2030 216,424 171,730 164,494 171,124 135,546 129,943 105,872 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2031 217,253 170,115 163,433 170,281 121,444 128,058 100,450 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2032 218,086 168,515 162,379 169,442 108,809 126,200 95,304 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2033 218,922 166,930 161,331 168,607 97,488 124,368 90,423 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2034 219,761 165,360 160,290 167,776 87,345 122,564 85,791 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2035 220,603 163,805 159,256 166,949 78,258 120,785 81,397 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2036 221,449 162,264 158,229 166,126 70,116 119,033 77,228 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2037 222,298 160,738 157,208 165,308 62,821 117,305 73,272 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2038 223,150 159,226 156,194 164,493 56,285 115,603 69,519 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2039 224,005 157,728 155,186 163,683 50,429 113,926 65,958 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2040 224,864 156,245 154,185 162,876 45,182 112,273 62,580 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2041 225,834 155,299 153,659 162,386 3,342 110,624 57,707 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2042 226,809 154,359 153,135 161,897 247 108,999 53,213 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2043 227,788 153,425 152,612 161,409 18 107,398 49,069 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2044 228,771 152,496 152,092 160,923 1 105,821 45,248 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2045 229,758 151,573 151,573 160,439 0 104,267 41,725 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2046 230,770 149,220 149,220 158,124 0 101,812 35,019 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2047 231,786 146,905 146,905 155,843 0 99,414 29,391 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2048 232,807 144,625 144,625 153,595 0 97,073 24,668 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2049 233,832 142,380 142,380 151,379 0 94,788 20,703 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 2050 234,861 140,170 140,170 149,196 0 92,556 17,376 225,910 135,546 45,182 0 0 Table 1: Reaching 2020 & 2030 & 2045 Targets: Impact of State + City Measures 2050
Table 2: GHG Historical GHG Inventories and BAU Forecast Emission Reduction due to PCE Electrification Measures (MT CO2e):
20452040
Emissions Reduction From State + City Measures (MT CO2e):

Remaining Emissions with State + City Measures (MT CO2e):

Sector
2020 2030
Business-as-Usual Emissions (MT CO2e):

Target: Percent Below 2005 Baseline Emissions:

Target Emissions (MT CO2e):

Required Emissions Reduction to Achieve Target (MT CO2e):

Emissions Reduction from State Measures (MT CO2e):

Emissions Reduction From City Measures + PCE (MT CO2e)
Percent Below 2005 Baseline with State + City Measures:

Meets or Exceeds State Goal?
Remaining Emissions Reduction Needed to Achieve Target:

Foster City City CouncilApril 1, 2024

Foster City City Council
April 1, 2024